Indian Cricket has changed over the last 20 years with many memorable fantasy cricket victories. One such victory was blessed upon us on the 13th of July, 2002 at the Mecca of Cricket, Lord’s in London. It was an evening to remember as India made one of the greatest comebacks in fantasy cricket and Sourav Ganguly did a historic celebration in the Lord’s balcony. It was an evening that wrote Yuvraj’s & Kaif’s names in golden letters in the history of world cricket.
Let’s take a look at how History was Scripted on this Day:
England Win Toss & Go Off To a Flying Start
Dominating over the opposition right from the start has been England’s iconic way of playing. India vs England began with Nasser Hussain winning the toss and opting to bat first. Marcus Trescothick and Nick Knight began proceedings well and the former looked in great touch. Zaheer Khan drew first blood in the form of Nick Knight when the scoreboard read 42. After which, the England Captain then joined Trescothick.
The Hussain-Trescothick Unending Partnership
Marcus Trescothick continued the onslaught and India kept struggling against the left-hander. Hussain, on the other hand, was struggling to get the ball in the middle of his bat. Trescothick went on to score 109 runs before he was bowled by an Anil Kumble googly. The 185-run partnership was finally broken. Nasser Hussain somehow edging and struggling, went on to make his 1st ODI century as England amassed a total of 325.
Dada & Viru: A Dream Start
Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag went on to open the innings with a clear intent of counter-attack. In an interview Ganguly opened up to recall the incident, “I was frustrated thinking that they crossed 300 again and we might end up losing another final while Viru was whistling and chilled out saying that we will win.” Sourav Ganguly(60) and Virender Sehwag(45) made an opening stand of 106 as they took the attack to England. The target seemed reachable after such a brisk start.
Yuvi & Kaif Steady a Derailing Ship
After the Ganguly & Sehwag dismissal, India lost Mongia, Rahul Dravid, and the great Sachin Tendulkar in quick succession. It was then upto 2 youngsters to save India from another choke in the final: Yuvraj Singh(69), our very own Baazigar and Mohammad Kaif(87). They both played exceedingly well and made a 121-run partnership before Yuvi lofted a simple catch to short fine leg when India still needed 59 runs to win.
Mohammad Kaif: Remember The Name
Even after Yuvraj’s dismissal, India’s hopes were still alive as Mohammad Kaif continued to hit boundaries alongside Harbhajan Singh who himself hit a six over the mid-wicket fence. Wickets kept falling in front of Kaif but he kept going as the equation got reduced to only 2 runs needed off the last over. Flintoff came running in and Zaheer Khan chipped one in short cover and ran for a quick single. The cover fielder attempted a direct hit towards Kaif’s end as it resulted in an overthrow resulting in another brisk run between the wickets by Zak & Kaif. The two jumped at their respective ends, the English players bowed down in disappointment and Sourav Ganguly gave us a spectacular celebration for Andrew Flintoff to remember for life!
So what’s your favorite memory from this legendary match? Let us know in the comments section below.
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