Waqar Younis Recalls 1996 World Cup Beating by Ajay Jadeja

Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis recalled the 1996 Cricket World Cup quarter-final in Bengaluru.

During the match, Indian batter Ajay Jadeja launched a devastating attack against Waqar, smashing 45 runs off just 25 deliveries.

Waqar admitted that dismissing Jadeja for his 200th ODI wicket could never make up for the beating he received from the Indian batter during that encounter. Waqar said even dismissing Jadeja 800 times would not compensate for the damage he had done.

The incident took place during the 1996 World Cup quarter-final between India and Pakistan at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. India won the match by 39 runs, handing Pakistan a famous defeat and securing a place in the semi-finals.

Waqar's comments reflected the humour and lingering disbelief associated with one of the most punishing spells he experienced against an Indian batter.

According to Waqar, Jadeja's explosive contribution proved crucial in shifting the momentum decisively in India's favour. Pakistan, chasing a target of 288, could only manage 248.

Waqar made these comments on a podcast with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, revisiting one of the most memorable moments in India-Pakistan cricket history.