Flashback: Sri Lanka shocks with win in 1996

The 1996 World Cup was special for UAE. They qualified to play in the world's biggest cricketing showpiece hosted jointly by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It was one of the most eventful tournaments in the history of the World Cup plagued by boycotts and even riots.

Sri Lanka shocked the world by beating Australia by seven wickets in the final to lift the Wills World Cup, named after the official sponsors.

The tournament began with Australia and West Indies forfeiting their matches against Sri Lanka, which was then reeling under the Tamil Tigers' (LTTE) attack. Through a breezy 79 by Sanath Jayasuriya and an unbeaten 70 by Hassan Tillakaratne, Sri Lanka beat India at New Delhi, despite a valiant 137 by Sachin Tendulkar, to qualify for the quarter-finals.

India too made it to the quarter-finals and stopped their arch rivals Pakistan at Bangalore by 39 runs to reach the semi-finals for yet another clash with Sri Lanka. Brian Lara, who is currently at the Dubai International Cricket Council's Global Academy coaching the Zimbabwe team, hit a brilliant 111 runs off just 94 balls in Karachi to give West Indies an exciting 19 runs win.

Marred by riots

The semi-final was marred by a riot after India had slipped to 120 for 8 chasing Sri Lanka's 251 for 8. Clive Lloyd, who was the match referee, awarded the match to Sri Lanka as play could not continue due to the rioting crowd.

In Mohali, Australia beat West Indies by five runs to reach the final. Shane Warne emerged their hero bagging four wickets.

In the final, Australia posted an impressive 241 for 7 through Mark Taylor's 74 and Ricky Ponting's 45. Sri Lanka raced to a seven-wicket win through Aravind De Silva's unbeaten 107 and skipper Arjuna Ranatunga's unconquered 47.