March 17: When the underdogs shocked the big boys

Cricket is a funny game. As the format gets shorter, the gulf between a superior side and a not so superior side lessens.

You underestimate your opponent at your own peril and the aforementioned cliche has been testified time and again.

There are very few days in our lives that teach us more than we had erstwhile. March 17 is one such day in the history of professional cricket where the underdogs managed to defy all the odds stacked against them and came out trump much to the agony of the 'big boys'.

In this blog, we'll go down memory lane and relieve instances when the perennial underdogs shocked the 'big boys' on March 17th.

Here's a walk down into the realms of March 17th :

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#1 Ireland send Pakistan packing from the 2007 World Cup

Ireland

were

making their debut on the big stage

When: St. Patrick's Day, March 17th 2007

Occasion: Pakistan vs Ireland, Group Match at Kingston Jamaica, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

Ireland, who were making their World Cup debut in the 2007 marquee event made an instant statement when they humbled former champions Pakistan and subsequently ousted from the tournament.

Pakistan, who batted first on St Patrik's day were jolted by a rampaging Boyd Rankin (3-32) coupled by a miserly spell of 2-5 in eight overs by Botha and were bowled out for a below par 132.

An inspired spell from Mohammed Sami (3-29) gave Pakistan hope but defiant innings from Nial O'Brien (72) paved way for one of the most romantic fairytales for Irish cricket as they defeated the former champions by three wickets.

#2 The Asian tigers' humble big brother India

Bangladesh pulled off a memorable heist

When: 17 March 2007

Occasion: India vs Bangladesh, Group Match at Port of Spain, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

While Pakistan was going down to newbie Ireland in Jamaica, their arch-rivals India were having a shock of their lives on the other side of the Caribbean island Port Of Spain.

Rahul Dravid won the toss on a damp wicket and he made heads turn when he decided to bat first.

The doubts at Dravid's decision was vindicated as Bangladesh reduced India to 4-72 with the likes of Sehwag, Dravid and the biggest of em' all Sachin Tendulkar back in the hut.

Ganguly (66) and Yuvraj (47) tried to stabilize India's fledgling innings with a partnership of 84.

However, Ganguly's dismissal off Rafique triggered yet another collapse and the Men in Blue were bowled out for a lowly 191 in 49.3 overs.

Tamim Iqbal (51) set the tone for Bangladesh's chase with a six over long-on off Zaheer Khan in the very first over.

The Tigers never looked back from then on as Tamim and Rahim (56) steered the Tigers to a five-wicket win and established their reputation as giant slayers.

#1 Sri Lanka crowned World Champions

Arjuna Ranatunga with the World Cup trophy

When: 17 March 1996

Occasion: Sri Lanka vs Australia, ICC Cricket World Cup Final, Lahore 1996

Perhaps the biggest fairy tale in the history of modern-day cricket became a reality on 17th March of 1996, when the perennial underdogs Sri Lanka were crowned World Champions, just 14 years of their existence as a Test nation.

Back then, Sri Lanka, as a country had a lot riding against them. They were beleaguered by the ongoing civil war and cricket came as an escape for the Sri Lankan public.

Citing security concerns several teams like Australia and West Indies refused to travel to the island nation.

In an attempt to extend support their co-host, an India and Pakistan combined XI played a match in Sri Lanka prior to the tournament.

Sri Lanka on the back of exhilarating performances by the likes of Jayasuriya, Kaluwitharana, Aravinda de Silva and Muralitharan stormed into the finals unbeaten.

But they were up against a side who had the experience of featuring and winning a high-pressure game like the World Cup final and this is where the leadership of Ranatunga came into play.

Ranatunga was blessed with a pristine game sense coupled with a warrior like demeanour, someone who'd not be overawed by the situation or the opposition.

Ranatunga testified the aforementioned quality in the finals both as a tactician as well as a batsman.

Ranatunga's astute leadership and bowling changes reduced Australia to 7-241 in 50 overs. He was not done though.

When Ranatunga came into bat Sri Lanka still needed 94 runs to win. Ranatunga took on a Shane Warne, Australia's prime weapon during the 1996 World Cup milking him for singles while pouncing on a rare loose ball.

Ranatunga's calm rubbed off on de Silva (107) too who was playing beautifully. The duo without further anomaly achieved the target in 46.2 overs to complete the fairy tale..