Cricket World Cup: 1996

Sri Lanka redefine the ODI game

A new power from the sub-continent rose to the top as Sri Lanka deservingly emerged winners. They decimated the opposition with their 'pinch hitting' tactic successfully employed at the top by Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana.

Milestones & Records

Sri Lanka, who co-hosted the 1996 Cricket World Cup, is the only host to win the tournament (although the final was played in Pakistan). They still remain the only host to have won the WC.

Sri Lanka became the first team ever to successfully chase a total in a WC final. They chased down 241 against Australia with 22 balls to spare.

Kenya was the first associate nation to defeat a test playing nation. They upset West Indies by 73 runs.

Paul Strang of Zimbabwe picked up 5/21 against Kenya and thus became the first ever spinner to take a five wicket haul in a WC game.

Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score above 500 runs in a single edition of the WC. He ended up with 523 runs at an average of 87.16.

Gary Kirsten's 188* against UAE is the highest individual score made in a WC game. He also became the first South African to score a WC ton.

Mark Waugh of Australia became the first player to score three tons in a single edition of the WC.