Venkatesh Prasad reveals how he got away after giving an aggressive send-off to Sohail

Venkatesh Prasad revealed how he had got away after giving an aggressive send-off to Aamer Sohail after dismissing him in high-octane 1996 World Cup quarterfinal clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. After having hit Prasad for a four, Sohail who was stand-in captain in that contest pointed bat towards off-side boundary and warned Venky that he would be hitting him over re once again. 

However, on very next delivery, southpaw attempted a big shot only to see his off stump go for a walk as medium-pacer had last laugh and gave him a mouthful as he was walking back to pavilion. This incident has gone on to become a part of cricketing folklore.

READ: Navjot Singh Sidhu Hitting Me With Bat In Sharjah ODI Rumours 'false': Aamer Sohail

'Would have been penalised': Venkatesh Prasad

While interacting on Fancode, former Bangalore medium-pacer went on to say that he would have been penalised for that sort of gesture because that’s when ICC Code of Conduct had come into picture during 1996 World Cup. Recalling that incident, veteran bowler went on to say that legendary David Shephard was on-field umpire in that contest and that n his captain Mohammad Azharuddin and Sachin Tendulkar had come to his rescue or else he would have probably been penalised or may be banned.

When Prasad was asked why he had celebrated aggressively on that particular day, he mentioned that opening batsman should have just gone back to his crease after hitting a boundary, but re was some exchange of words and a gesture that he made which didn’t really go well and with entire nation and spectators who were watching including himself who was actively involved in it, his blood was really boiling as hosts needed a wicket during that point in time. 

When India kcked out defending champions 

Brilliant innings from Navjot Singh Sidhu (93) and Ajay Jadeja (25-ball 45) helped India get to 287/8 in ir 50 overs against arch-rivals Pakistan in 1996 World Cup quarterfinal at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In reply, Pakistan got off to a solid start. Stand-in captain Aamer Sohail and Saeed Anwar put on an 84-run opening stand. Even after Anwar was dismissed, Sohail anchored Pakistan's run chase. But, after reaching his half-century, he tried to make a statement to pacer Venkatesh Prasad after hitting him to extra cover fence for a boundary 

However, on very next delivery, Sohail tried to slash Prasad on leg side but missed ball completely and needlessly lost his wicket just as Pakistan innings was gaining momentum. It turned out to be turning point of match as Pakistan lost precious wickets of Ijaz Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq. Veteran batsman Javed Miandad who was playing his final international match tried his best but his run-out ended Pakistan's hopes as India won contest by 39 runs to qualify for semi-finals and sent  defending champions out of tournament.