When Ganguly and Dravid massacred the innocents

Premasara Epasinghe

My second successive World Cup was the one played in 1999 in England. I gave live updates over the air-waves of SLBC to our listners from the Venues, where Sri Lanka were engaged. The group match played between India and Sri Lanka is still vivid in my mind. It was a memorable one.

Qualified Engineer

Early morning, we left the residence of Nihal Withana, situated in Ruslip in Middlesex. He was my cricket captain at Nalanda First XT in 1956, now a highly qualified Professional Engineer. Nihal excelled for the University of Ceylon as a fine - all rounder from 1958-1962 period with distinction.

It was a very pleasant drive we reached Tauton, Somerset in a fine chilly morning. The country side was breadth - taking. Nihal was at the wheel.

The car park adjoing the Taunton Grounds were filled to a capacity. The coach in which the Indian Team arrived was the centre of attraction for many.

There was a massive painting, depicting a violent and destructive storm over a small town painted on the coach.

Just like in the painting, India blew away Sri Lanka’s World Cup hopes at the historic Taunton Grounds the headquarters of Somerset Cricket Administration, the second home of legendary Sir Vivian Richards and the home of Sir Ian Botham.

Before the start of this vital match, England-Sri Lanka, the beautiful ground was bathed in sunshine. There were about 6,000 spectators, mostly Indians waving their National Flag. The mountain range by the side of the ground added colour to the venue. The ground was filled to the capacity.

It there had been any trees overlooking the ground, then, Indian fans would certainly have been hanging from them. A carnival atmosphere prevailed.

As in big soccer matches, chanting was in the air. A section, mainly Indian fans close to our commentary box began the “Bangan-Beat”.

“Sachin we love you”, “Are you watching Pakistan” were some of the slogans that rent the air.

India won the vital toss and elected to bat on a pitch considered as a “Batsmens Paradise”. When the rotund rolly - polly skipper Arjuna Ranatunge lost the toss, he said that his team is capable of chasing a target of 300 or more.

Dream start

Without doubt, the Indians made sure and were determined to reach three hundred plus, listening to this statement. Sri Lanka had a dream start. Unassuming, charming Chaminda Vaas, clean bowled S. Ramesh, beating him neck and crop for 5. The total was 6. Sri Lankans were on cloud nine. But, it was short-lived a false alarm.

Prince of Calcutta

Rahul Dravid joined Saurov Ganguly - the “Prince of Calcutta”. From here the drama began to unfold.

Going down memory lane, this was the worst massacre I have ever witnessed in my career as a commentator spanning three and half decades upto 1999. Master batsman Ganguly collected a classical, hard-hitting One Day hundred, which included seven sixes. Ganguly, lately raced from 100 to 183 in 39 deliveries. All of Ganguly’s “Magical sixers, were magical moments.

Taunton erupted. I will cherish this unforgettable innings forever. One cannot forget the role played by Rahul Dravid. He started the carnage. Dravid reached 50 in 43 deliveries. Ganguly was purring alongside like a “German Porsche”. They were balancing their strike at the start. The score board ticked like a Taxi-Metre. This was the best one day alliance I have seen.

The Sri Lankan bowlers - Vaas, Upashantha, P. Wickramasinghe, Muralidharan, A. de Silva, S. Jayasuriya and M. Jayawardene looked mere pedestrians. Skipper Ranatunga did not know what to do. Sri Lanka dropped few vital catches, which added to their woes.

The eventual record breaking stand of 318, came to an end when Dravid was run out for 145 in 129 balls. Ganguly scored 183 in 158 balls. India 373/6 - 50 overs.

The Sri Lankans, a tired looking outfit, were never in a hunt. Their moral were all shattered. They only went through their motions.

Impossible single

Like India, the Sri Lankans also started their innings on the wrong foot. Jayasuriya, the only batsman who could have blasted the Indian attack to pieces, tried for an impossible single which was not there and perished. Sri Lanka lost their first wicket-Sanath Jayasuriya out for 3.

“Little Kalu” followed quickly, ruled out leg before wicket for 7. Only silver lining, in the Sri Lankan’s dark cloud was Aravinda De Silva’s 56.

Trinidad born Indian bowler Robin Singh returned the best figures 9.3-0-31-5. Sri Lanka folded up for 216 in 42.3 overs.

The World Cup holders, Sri Lanka’s crushing defeat dealt a terminal blow to their overall run rate and their hopes of reaching the super six.