MCA secretary Bhandarkar recalls Kenya’s 1996 miracle in Pune

A jubilant Kenya celebrate their win over West Indies during the 1996 World Cup in Pune. Pic/midday archives

The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is all set to host their first World Cup match here after a gap of 27 years when India take on Bangladesh at the MCA Stadium in Gahunje on Thursday.

Interestingly, current MCA secretary Shubhendra Bhandarkar was among the state's Ranji probables, watching the 1996 World Cup fixture from the Nehru Stadium (Pune's erstwhile main cricket venue) stands when Kenya outclassed Richie Richardson's mighty West Indies by 73 runs.

"I was just 26 then and was one of the 30 Maharashtra Ranji probables. I watched how Kenya shocked the West Indies from the South Stand. That was a really good game. It taught us that anyone can beat a strong team if you play to potential," Bhandarkar told mid-day on Tuesday.

Shubhendra Bhandarkar. Pic/Mandar Tannu; (right) Vasudev Oak

Put into bat, Kenya were all out for 166 with speedster Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose claiming three and two wickets respectively. Off-spinner Roger Harper too played a vital role, claiming three for 15.

However, thanks to Kenya's skipper and off-spinner Maurice Odumbe (3-15) and pacer Rajab Ali's (3-17) disciplined bowling, the Windies were bundled out for just 93 in 35.2 overs.

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Though Bhandarkar did not make it to the Ranji squad, he took a different path and became an administrator. "Being secretary of the MCA is an exciting job, but one that's filled with a lot of responsibility. And there is a lot of tension as well. It's a World Cup game and we are hosting our Indian team, so there's definitely pressure, but we are confident that we will organise it well. Our team are working extremely hard for this game," said Bhandarkar.

Meanwhile, former Maharashtra cricketer Vasudev Oak, 63, who is currently guiding aspiring cricketers in California (USA), was assisting the Kenyan team as a local manager during that memorable 1996 World Cup encounter. "I was in the winning team's dressing room and we were all celebrating. Then, suddenly, a lot of people rushed into the dressing room to congratulate the Kenyan players. There was a big crowd and police had to intervene," Oak recalled.

When asked if he ever expected such a big upset, Oak remarked: "When I was observing the Kenyan team practice a day before the game, I never felt that they would do this [upset WI]. Their body language was very simple, but they actually performed a miracle."