On July 13, 2002, Team India defeated England at Lord’s by chasing down an enormous target of 326, earning one of the team’s most famous white-ball victories. The two-wicket victory is still fondly recalled because it may have revealed a new-look India that was aggressive and won’t back down from anything.
After defeating England and Sri Lanka in the group stage, the Sourav Ganguly-led team advanced to the finals. However, after England decided to bat initially, things were not going well in their final at first. Nasser Hussain, the captain, and Marcus Trescothick both scored centuries to help the hosts amass an impressive 325-5.
Sourav Ganguly as well as Virender Sehwag faced the England pacers in a remarkable comeback and scored 106 runs within 14.3 overs. The famous Indian middle order, which included players like Sachin Tendulkar as well as Rahul Dravid, was now in charge of maintaining the momentum after the foundation had been laid.
However, after the first dismissal, India saw themselves wobbling at 146-5 and appeared to be out of the match after just 10 overs. The final batting tandem of young guns, Mohammed Kaif with Yuvraj Singh, had the task of chasing down the runs.
The pair put on a 121-run stand for the sixth wicket, which saw the game be in the balance until Yuvraj was bowled by Paul Collingwood. Kaif had to lead the side to the target because the chasing team was still some distance away.
Watch team India’s celebrations after this historic win:
Sourav Ganguly's famous celebration on this day 21 years ago.
India sealed the NatWest Series with some brilliance from Kaif, Yuvraj, Ganguly and Sehwag in a 326 run chase. A crazy day! pic.twitter.com/GZbm942XCx
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 13, 2023
The Men in Blue were able to reach the objective with three balls remaining thanks to the right-handed batter’s perseverance, an appearance from Anil Kumble, and complete chaos near the end. Kaif’s undefeated 87 runs from 75 deliveries, consisting of six fours as well as two sixes, earned him Player of the Match honours.
The atmosphere in the locker room was electrifying after the team unexpectedly won the championship. Once the winning run was pursued. Sourav Ganguly, the captain of Team India, went one step further by removing his shirt and swinging it over the top of his head while seated on the renowned Lord’s balcony.
