Sourav Ganguly takes off his shirt at Lord's balcony
17 years ago on this day, lndia let England post a mamoth total of 325 in the final of the tri-series against England. India and England had gotten the better of Sri Lanka to reach the final but for the most part of the final, India Were under pressure. England opener Marcus Trescothick hit 109 from just 100 balls and captain Nasser Hussain scored a fine 115 as the hosts took the Indian attack to the cleaners. England played out India spinners Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble and took the attack to the bowlers.
Captain Sourav Ganguly had a horrible day with the ball as the part-timer conceded 28 runs in 3 overs but there was no stopping Ganguly when he walked out to bat with Virender Sehwag. India were off to a flying start as Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag played T20- style cricket in the first 10 overs and took India past the 100-run mark inside the first 15 overs. However, after the 106-run opening stand was broken by Alex Tudor, India were in a spoit of bother.
From 106 for 0, India Went to 146 for 5, losing Virender Sehwag, Dinesh Mongia, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in the process. India were in trouble when two of their young guns in Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif joined hands at the middle. The chase looked improbable but not for Yuvraj and Kaif who scripted one of the most memorable wins in the history of Indian cricket.
Yuvraj departed for 69 in the 42nd over. India still needed 59 but Kaif batted wonderfully well withith the tall and took the team past the finish line. The winning runs came off an overthrow.
Indian fans erupted in joy. The cameras panned to the Lord's dressing room where the players celebrated in delight. Sourav Ganguly emerged from behind VVS Laxman, took his shirt off and celebrated the win. He was roaring in delight. It was him who laid the foundation... not just for the chase in the big final but for an Indian team that would go on to become World beaters in the following years.