5 times favourites blew their chances of winning the World Cup

#3 India (1996)

Sachin Tendulkar's untimely dismissal triggered a fatal collapse for India

The image of a inconsolable Vinod Kambli leaving a frenzied Eden Gardens arena in tears ranks perhaps at the top of the most emotional moments in the long and illustrious history of the World Cup. India, who had entered the 1996 edition as strong contenders, were knocked out of the tournament by eventual champions Sri Lanka.

The eagerly awaited clash ended in disgraceful circumstances as match referee Clive Lloyd awarded the game to Arjuna Ranatunga's men following an embarrassing turmoil in the stands.

Despite its infamous ending, the semi-final began in a promising manner as a packed Kolkata crowd thronged the stadium in fervent anticipation of a memorable encounter. Led by Mohammad Azharuddin, the hosts were fresh off an euphoric triumph against arch-rivals Pakistan in the preceding match.

On a dusty surface expected to deteriorate sharply with time, Azharuddin surprisingly chose to bowl first. A sizzling spell from pace spearhead Javagal Srinath razed the dangerous Sri Lankan top-order.

But the visitors managed to reach a competitive total on the back of contrasting half-centuries from Aravinda de Silva and Roshan Mahanama. Chasing 252 for a place in the final, India relied on the in-form Sachin Tendulkar to get off to a strong start.

From sitting at 98/1, the wheels came off for India rather rapidly. When their batting icon was stumped off the bowling of Sanath Jayasuriya, the hosts folded meekly like a pack of cards. At 120/8, the writing was on the wall. Were it not for the fatal collapse, India's tournament could have gone on in a different route.