Great comeback or Fixed? Razzaq triggers collapse (1999)

Was this match fixed? Pakistan looking destined to lose with Sri Lanka needing only 25 runs with 8 wickets and more than 10 overs left sparking a dramatic collapse to bowl Sri Lanka out with the scores level.

Consider these points as evidence:

1. Pakistan were coasting at 131-2 but collapsed to 196 after looking good for a 300 total.

2. SL were 157-1 chasing 196 with over 20 overs remaining. They were all out for 196 with the scores tied as Abdul Razzak took 5-31.

3. Several Lankan batsman appeared to throw their wickets away Aravinda De Silva B Akram for 9 swishing across the line as was Vaas b Razzak for 0 when there was no pressure on the run rate. In addition Mahela Jayawardena walked and Murali did not reach out on a run out that he should have got home but appeared to be not trying hard to make their ground.

Great comeback from the Pakistani's. But very suspicious!!! This was in the days just prior to the Cronje match fixing scandal.

1999 Coca Cola Champions Trophy 3rd Match, Sharjah 15 Oct 1999.