India and England produced the best game of the 2011 World Cup when their group match ended in a tie in Bengaluru. Six months later, both sides played out another thriller, this time at Lord’s in a rain-affected fourth ODI of the five-match series.
Batting first, MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina’s massive 169-run partnership helped India post 280/5 after a poor showing from the top-order. Rain interruptions and a magnificent 96 by Ravi Bopara brought England within striking distance of the revised target. But back-to-back wickets in the 49th over brought the required D/L score level with England’s total. The rain intensified after the fall of the eighth wicket, and the umpires called off the game. The match ended in a tie.
Ganguly, Nehra Star in Low-Scoring Thriller (2004)
At the halfway stage, it seemed England were on course for a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series in 2004. India were bowled out for a paltry 204, with Sourav Ganguly’s lone 90 and Rahul Dravid’s half-century being the only saving grace. However, the bowlers stepped-up to the task and bowled out the opposition for 181. Three-wickets apiece for Ashish Nehra and Harbhajan Singh, with two crucial wickets by Irfan Pathan sealed a consolation victory for India in the final ODI.
Yuvraj-Kaif Engineer Miracle (2002)
Fabulous centuries from Marcus Trescothik and England captain Nasser Hussain left India a daunting target of 326 in the 2002 NatWest tri-series final. Openers Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag capitalized on the field restrictions and provided India a swift start. However, after a flying start, India lost wickets in a heap and were reduced to 146/5. Dinesh Mongia, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar all went back to the pavilion for low scores. A miracle was needed for the visitors and it was India's young guns - Mohammed Kaif and Yuvraj Singh who delivered as India pulled off a stunning victory. The youngsters stitched together a 121-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kaif’s composure under pressure, along with contributions from the lower order helped India register a famous victory and gave the fans one of Indian cricket’s iconic moments – Sourav Ganguly waving his shirt at the Lord's balcony
Yuvraj and Dravid Stage a Comeback (2002)
Like the NatWest final, India had staged a similar comeback victory while chasing in the second game of the tri-series at the same venue. On this instance, it was Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh’s unbeaten 131-run stand that guided India to the 272-run target.
Half-centuries from Marcus Trescothik and Nasser Hussain helped the hosts amass 271 in their 50 overs. Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag got India off to a flying start, knocking down 109 runs in under 18 overs. But a middle-order collapse left the visitors with 131 runs to get with six wickets remaining. Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid scored spectacular half-centuries, reaching the target with seven balls to spare and gave India a winning start in the tournament.
Kapil’s Underdogs Create History (1983)
India’s journey from being underdogs to eventual champions of the 1983 World Cup was nothing short of a fairytale. After getting through the group stages and beating England in the semi-final, India went up against West Indies in the final. Clive Llyod’s men were firm favorites to complete a hat-trick of World Cup triumphs after dismissing India for just 183 in the first innings. However, an inspired bowling performance led by Mohinder Amarnath’s 3/12 stunned the defending champions and India registered a famous 43-run victory to win their first World Cup.
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