4) Navjot Singh Sidhu
The Man of the Match in his only encounter with Pakistan in 1996 World Cup, Navjot Singh Sidhu had his own role which helped India to set up a semifinal date with Sri Lanka.
It was arguably the biggest showdown of the 1996 World Cup; India v Pakistan in Bangalore, quarter final of the World Cup. And it was Navjot Singh Sidhu who took centre-stage as he hit an invaluable 93, in an innings full of grit and determination. Motivated Sidhu revelled in the pressure of a must-win encounter after India won the toss and chose to bat first. Sidhu and Tendulkar opened up for India and got the home side off to a good start with a partnership of 90.
Tendulkar was unusually subdued in the opening stand, but Sidhu ensured India didn't lack momentum and played the role of the aggressor as India made the most of the early exchanges.
It was his aggression that proved to be his downfall though, as just one ball after hitting Mushtaq Ahmed for glorious four over extra cover Sidhu tried to force a quicker delivery across the line and was bowled for 93. His innings came off 115 balls and included 11 fours.
Pakistan openers began in explosive fashion but, some good quality bowling by Ventakesh Prasad and Anil Kumble dismissed Pakistan for 248 falling short of 39 runs. The duo shared 6 wickets together (3 wickets each) and the visitors suffered a sheer lower order batting collapse.
