ICC Tournaments in England: A look at India's performance

#3 World Cup 1999

Mohammed Azharuddin captained India in 3 editions of the World Cup unsuccessfully

England was hosting a World Cup after a gap of 15 years in 1999. In the interim period of 15 years, India reached the semi-finals of World Cups played at home in 1987 and 1996.

After losing two successive World Cups so badly in 1992 and 1996, Mohammed Azharuddin was once again continued as Captain for the World Cup in England in 1999.

After the stupendous performance of the Indian team in England under Kapil Dev in 1983, the Indian fans were looking for a similar successful campaign for Team India at the same venue. But unfortunately, for India, it was not to be.

Interestingly enough, like in the ongoing World Cup, India’s first match was against South Africa which they lost by 4 wickets. But India’s biggest disappointment in that World Cup came in their next match against Zimbabwe when they lost to the minnows by three runs. In such a close match, India ended up conceding 50 extras.

India had to win all their three remaining league matches against Kenya, Sri Lanka, and England to reach the Super Sixes. India did exactly that and reached the Super Sixes at the expense of host England.

In the Super Sixes, India registered its customary World Cup win against Pakistan but crashed against Australia and New Zealand to bow out of the tournament.