2) Venkatesh Prasad
The veteran Indian bowler Venkatesh Prasad had a good run in all two encounters with Pakistan in two world cups he played in 1996 and 1999.
It was the quarterfinal in 1996 in Bangalore and India were defending their total of 287. Pakistan started their chase with a half century opening stand his three quick wicket of Aamir Sohail, Ijaz Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq pegged them back. The visitors were bowled out for 248 giving India a comfortable victory by 39 runs.
However, the main highlight of the match remained to be the spat between Venkatesh Prasad and Aamir Sohail.
After bringing up his half century, Aamir slashed Prasad for an extra cover boundary. He asked Prasad “Go, fetch that”, pointing in the extra cover direction. Sohail tried the same shot on the next ball, only to see his stump uprooted. Having been comprehensively bowled, Prasad gave him a send-off, pointing towards the dressing room.
India took on Pakistan in super six stage in 1999 WC and was a must win situation to stay alive in the tournament. After a dismal batting performance with just 227 on board it was now Venkatesh Prasad who took the responsibility on his shoulders. He was again the scourge of Pakistan, picking up five wickets and ripping through the Pakistani middle order with accurate bowling choking their arch rivals yet again. He picked up a fifer conceding just 27 runs in 9.3 overs and was adjudged as Man of the Match.
