When Australia snatched victory from jaws of defeat against West Indies in 1996 WC semis

Australia were one of strong contenders to win cricket World Cup in 1996. y had a very good tournament where y had lost only to West Indies in group sts. y had to face West Indies once again in semi-final. Windies were coming into contest after having kcked out a strong South African unit in quarterfinals.

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West Indies pacers troubled Australia early on

In second semi-final that was played at PCA Stadium in Mohali on March 14, 1996, Australian skipper Mark Taylor won toss and elected to bat first on a pacy wicket. It turned out to be a bad decision as Aussies were reduced to 15/4 and just when it appeared that match was heading for an early finish, middle-order duo of Michael Bevan and Stuart Law stitched in a 138-run stand for fifth wicket. Wicket-keeper batsman Ian Healy's cameo in backend of innings helped Australia get to a respectable total of 207/8 in ir 50 overs. It was a total that looked highly unlikely during first hour of play.

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West Indian run chase

World Cup was n Windies skipper Richie Richardson's swansong and he did t want to leave any stone unturned in taking coveted trophy back to Caribbean. With only 208 runs to score on wicket where dew factor was to play a huge role, Richardson promoted Courtney Browne as pinch-hitter to open innings. However, he was dismissed for 10. But, that did t seem to bor Calypso Boys as Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul anchored run chase. Even after Lara's dismissal for 45, Richardson and Chanderpaul steadied West Indian ship and y were cruising towards a famous win.

At 165/2, it was just a matter of time before West Indies entered ir fourth World Cup final but n re was a huge twist in tale. When Chanderpaul was caught at mid-on for a gritty 80, that opened up floodgates for Australia as Windies batsmen were sent back to pavilion one by one with all burden on Richardson's shoulders.

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West Indies snatch defeat from jaws of victory

In final over that was bowled by Damien Fleming, West Indies needed 10 runs and that is when Richardson had pulled one to leg-side for a boundary. neless, on very next ball, he went on to take a meaningless single as Curtly Ambrose was run out at striker's end. Caribbeans needed 6 runs off 4 balls with just one wicket left and a run out meant that re was a change in strike. Number 11 batsman Courtney Walsh who took strike was castled for a golden duck as two-time champions were bundled out for 202 and Australia snatched a nail-biting 5-run win. 

A gutted Richie Richardson walked off cricket field for one last time as a player on this unsavoury te. He remained unbeaten on 49. 

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