On This Day in 1999: Watch Sachin Tendulkar’s controversial run-out sparks riot at Eden Gardens

Sachin Tendulkar’s controversial run-out: The Master Blaster’s unfortunate dismissal wasn’t accepted well by the spectators.

During the fourth day of the first Test of the Asian Test Championship between India and Pakistan on this day in 1999, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s unfortunate dismissal sparked a riot at Eden Gardens in Kolkata which forced the authorities to empty the stadium.

Chasing a 279-run target, India opening batsmen in Sadagoppan Ramesh and VVS Laxman stitched a 108-run opening partnership to lay a solid foundation but the hosts lost wickets at regular intervals to eventually lose the match by 46 runs.

On the third delivery of the 43rd over, Tendulkar flicked a delivery from legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram. What looked like going into the boundary at first, it wasn’t the case as substitute fielder Nadeem Khan stopped the ball in time.

However, what changed the situation was Nadeem affecting a direct-hit at the non-striker’s end where Tendulkar was returning for a third run. Just as Tendulkar’s was about to drag his bat into the crease, Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s attempt of providing back-up saw both the players colliding which found the batsman short of his crease.

While some Indian fans thought Akhtar to intentionally do the same, the others expected Pakistan captain Akram to forfeit the appeal. Tendulkar getting out for 9 (13) raged the fans who started to throw various things into the playing area and disrupted play.

After a one-hour halt, play resumed only after Tendulkar entered the ground to pacify the angry fans while being accompanied by police and administrators. Tendulkar’s request showed results as play resumed. However, things went out of hands when fans started to misbehave again especially after the Indian batsmen registered a batting collapse.

After the police emptied the stadium, play resumed in front of 200 people in one of the most rare scenes ever witnessed at the Eden Gardens.

Sachin Tendulkar’s controversial run-out

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