Exactly a decade and a half ago, Mohammad Kaif scored his maiden ODI century against Zimbabwe at Colombo. In which was also his maiden international century, he scored it during the third match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2002.
Sourav Ganguly, the then India captain, had won the toss and chose to bat. His decision back-fired as India had slumped to 87-5 in 13.2 overs. The onus was now on Rahul Dravid and Kaif. The latter scored a career-defining 87* (75) against England in the last match that India had played.
The duo stitched an 117-run partnership in the Colombo heat before Dravid was run out on 71 (81). Zimbabwe had got the opening that they required, but, Kaif had other plans. Some very sensible batting was on display as Kaif (111*) and Kumble (18*) aided the Indian team to score 288-6 in 50 overs. Kaif’s innings was comprised of eight fours and a six.
Zaheer Khan’s (10-2-45-4) unerring yorkers ensured that India overcame Andy Flower’s career-best 145 (163) as they won the match by 14 runs. Watch the full video of Dravid and Kaif’s brilliance: