It was on this day, 13th of July, eighteen years ago that India recorded a thrilling victory which is till date, one of India’s most emphatic and iconic victories in the 50 over format. Yes, we are talking about the finals of the Natwest series in 2002, between India and England at the home of cricket – Lord’s .
Chetan Chauhan tests positive for COVID-19
England, winning a crucial toss in the finals, opted to bat first on a pitch that looked like an absolute belter and making full use of it, Marcus Trescothick took the team off to a flier, smashing a stroke filled century. He was also supported by an innings of equal prodigy from the skipper – Nasser Hussain – who made a hundred for himself, which would turn out to be his only century in his ODI career. Chasing a stiff target of 326, the Indian openers went on a roll, putting up a 106 run partnership in no time, before a clutter of wickets put India in a spot. Out came the young guns, Mohammed Kaif & Yuvraj Singh. Showing great courage and raising to the occasion, they played a great hand in India clinching the final with 3 balls to spare and with 2 wickets in hand.
A dramatic victory meant Sourav Ganguly would twirl his shirt from the balcony, getting back at Flintoff for doing the same at Mumbai in a previous encounter.
Jofra Archer blasts Tino Best for his criticism over his bowling
Writing a column for The Indian Express, Kaif revealed that he was overwhelmed by the fan following and celebration that followed him everywhere in his hometown – Allahabad. He said,
I remember another special image. When I returned home to Allahabad, I was put on an open-jeep procession. It took us nearly three-four hours to travel the five-six km to our home. People lined up on the roads. Garlands, chants, happy faces. When I was a kid, I had seen Amitabh Bachchan in an open jeep after he had won an election in my hometown. That day, I felt like Amitabh Bachchan
For more cricket news, click