5 unusual reasons which stopped play in a cricket match

4. Desert Storm in Sharjah during the India vs Australia match in 1998

On April 22, 1998, India and Australia clashed in one of the best ODI matches in Sharjah in the Coca-Cola Trophy tri-series. Electing to bat first, Australians put up an intimidating 284 for 7 in their 50 overs. Chasing 285, India lost Saurav Ganguly for 17 in the ninth over with the score at 38. Sachin Tendulkar and wicket-keeper batsman Nayan Mongia steadied the innings before Mongia was dismissed for 35 in the game's 22nd over.

Then a 'Desert storm' caused the Indian innings to be disrupted for almost half an hour. The sand was so much that both Indian batters had to rush back into the pavilion to save themselves. India was 276 in 46 overs. Sachin Tendulkar played an all-time great knock of 141 taking India to a famous win and into the final.