Watch: In the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup, Sachin Tendulkar survived a controversial DRS call against Pakistan en route to his match-winning 85.
Until 2011, India had beaten Pakistan on all four occasions they had met at the World Cup, in 1992, 1996, 1999, and 2003. They did not meet in 2007 and were placed in separate groups in 2011.
However, India beat Australia and Pakistan defeated the West Indies to set up a semi-final clash, in Mohali.
The match began in dramatic fashion, with Virender Sehwag getting out after hitting nine fours in a 25-ball 38. Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir continued, and India reached 73-1 after 10 overs.
The first four balls of the over passed without much fuss. Then Saeed Ajmal bowled an arm ball on the stumps, Tendulkar tried to flick and missed, and the ball hit him in front of the stumps. Pakistan appealed, and Ian Gould ruled Tendulkar out leg-before.
DRS was far from being universally accepted at this point, but it was used at this World Cup. India had lost a review when Sehwag was given out, but following a discussion with Gambhir, Tendulkar decided to use his side’s last review.
Replays suggested that the ball would have missed leg-stump. Mohali erupted in a loud roar of celebrations.
“I don’t know how the television replays showed my delivery turning towards the leg side because I had bowled an arm ball and it went straight,” Ajmal later admitted.
“I will sit here and guarantee you, if I see it again, I’d still give it out, simple as that,” Gould said.
Tendulkar survived an appeal for stumping off the next ball (thanks to the television umpire). He went on to make 85, the highest score from either side in the match. India posted 260-9 before bowling out Pakistan for 231, and eventually winning the World Cup.
