India vs Pakistan, 2nd QF at Bengaluru, Mar 09 1996 - Ball by Ball Commentary

So that's your lot, it's been an enthralling contest, but India have prevailed, the World Champions have been defeated. And we have our first semi-final of the 1996 World Cup inked in, India v Sri Lanka at Calcutta. Australia v New Zealand, and South Africa v West Indies will complete the last eight match-ups. From myself and Sid Monga, and Chandan the scorer, thanks and goodnight, and see you again soon for another #RetroLive classic.

Navjot Sidhu is Man of the Match: "Well I think it's love and affection of the people of India that inspired me to play this knock. That's it. This is for them." Well, how nice. I'm sure they are very chuffed.

He hopes he'll be fine for the semi-final. And that is the end of that! Chappelli calls an end to the presentation before the podium collapses - there are about 50 people up there!

Mohammad Azharuddin is next onto the podium. "We got a very good total, especially at one stage it looked like we'd only get 240-250. But we batted very well, especially Ajay and Anil, they played very well at the end. At one point it looked like the game could run away from us, but we kept our pressure on and Anil and Raju played really well. And Prasad's wickets were tremendous.

On the Sri Lanka match, Azhar adds: "I'm playing at my luckiest ground."

Hugs and handshakes all round as India book their place in the last four for the second time in a home World Cup, can they go one better than in 1987? Or even two better, for that matter? Here's Ian Chappell with the presentations, and first up it's Aamer Sohail.

"Yeah it was [a big blow losing Wasim]. We believed that if we had restricted India to 250 we had a chance, but our bowlers couldn't bowl in the last few overs and that made the difference. But all I have to say now is good luck India in the finals.

"We always had a chance, but they played a better game. Good luck to them in the finals."

Cheers Monga. What scenes in Bangalore. India have preserved their proud record against Pakistan in World Cup contests, and few clashes have had more at stake than this.

Samrat Ahuja: "Miandad wanted to replicate Imran and wanted to end his career on a high note ...but alas!!"

Samrat Ahuja: "Template for India going ahead. Bat first, put runs on the board, and let the spinners and crowd take over from there!!"

Shake of hands between the players from the two teams, but no big celebration from India. They know they have a bigger task ahead at Eden Gardens, trying to beat a red-hot Sri Lanka to make the final of the event. However, it will be a big relief to have got one past their nemesis so often, Pakistan, who give them nightmares by having won many a close match. Police has made it to the playing area to prevent possible pitch invasions.I will leave it to Andrew Miller to bring to you the rest of the celebrations, and player interviews. Thanks everyone

Final ball coming up

"This behavior from crowd in not acceptable. They should behave themselves. This is no way to celebrate. This should be checked. What if India is on verge of losing in an important match. Such uncontrolled crowds can go violent." Ravi Mittal, it sure is a dampener

Samrat Ahuja: "Spare a thought for Waqar! Missed 92 victory cap because of an injury, was taken apart by Jadeja today and didnt get support for Akram either! Might get a chance to redeem himself in next world cups!"

Kumble is bowled out. Srinath will come back for one final over. Can see a lot of fires in the stands. Can't be safe out there. Surely all the 50000 people in the stands didn't come here to watch from such an unsafe environment?

kashyap panwala: "the BAD BOY makes his final walk back. Whataa playaa. The agrresion, that fear in the opposition. Thanks Javed!"