DHAKA, January 17: There was an element of drama at the National Stadium as India hot on the chase at 268 for two in the 40th over were suddenly faced with the sight of umpires Rudi Koertzen of South Africa and Russel Tiffin of Zimbabwe walking off the field as the light began deteriorating. The hapless Pakistanis, who looked shell-shocked as the Indian batsmen went on a rampage, followed.India just 47 runs away with a little more than eight overs to go, had Mohammed Azharuddin and Saurav Ganguly at the wicket. A little earlier the Indians had turned down a request to stop play when the umpires suggested a stoppage as light became poor.
This time the umpires took the decision in their own hands and signalled to the teams to come off. The Pakistan team, too, left the field, but Azhar and Ganguly stayed put.
Then match referee Mike Denness, former England Test captain, ordered the umpires and the Pakistanis back on the field with a changed white ball which was more clearly visible.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
