Nineteen years ago from that day of July 13, 2002, in London, Kapil Dev and his team celebrated at the Lord’s balcony with India’s maiden World Cup in their hands after a win over the mighty West Indies in the final. Ganguly’s jubilant celebration following India’s incredible win to lift the NatWest Series remains etched equally, if not more, in the memory of Indian fans.
Going into the NatWest Series final against Nasser Hussain’s team, India had lost nine ODI finals consecutively; and after England posted a huge total of 325 for 5 on the board, the pressure was right back on the visitors.
WATCH THE WINNING MOMENT & GANGULY’S CELEBRATION
Marcus Trescothick (109) and Hussain (115) had deflated the Indian bowling attack with a 185-run stand for the second wicket; and chasing the huge target, India slipped badly to 146 for 5 after being given a 106-run start by openers Ganguly (60) and Virender Sehwag (45).
But just when a win looked obvious for England, two Indian youngsters — Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh — started turning things around with a fearless display of batting.
WATCH: THE FINAL IN GANGULY’S WORDS
The pair went on to add 121 runs in an aggressive sixth-wicket partnership that drove India back into a position from where they could force a win, and the thrilling two-wicket win was eventually sealed by Kaif and Zaheer Khan (4 not out) in the final over the match.
While Kaif scored 87 not out, Yuvraj contributed a flamboyant 69.
The victory signalled maddening celebrations on the Lord’s balcony, led by a shirtless Ganguly waving his India jersey before running onto the field to hug Kaif.
