On This Day
On This Day: Sourav Ganguly Created A Record In World Cup History
By B Dixit - Mar 20, 2021 7:59 am
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Exactly a decade and a half ago, during the second Semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup between India and Kenya at Durban, Sourav Ganguly scored his 22nd ODI century, his third in the tournament. His innings played an instrumental role in India reaching the final of the tourney. In the process, Ganguly became the first Indian batsman to score a century in a knockout match of the World Cup.

Ganguly, the then Indian captain, had won the toss and chose to bat. India were provided with a cautious start by their openers in Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. The duo shared a 74-run partnership before Sehwag was dismissed on 33 in the 19th over.

To set the ball rolling, Ganguly hit a four in the first over that he faced against Aasif Karim. He shared a 103-run stand with Tendulkar (83). Ganguly had just completed his half-century when Tendulkar got out. With 12 overs left in the innings, it was up to the set batsman in Ganguly to shift gears in a bid to post a dominating total.

Sourav Ganguly against Kenya.
Ganguly pulling during his innings.

On the big day and in a crucial match, Ganguly, being an archetype captain, did not let down his teams and fans. India scored an impressive 82 runs in the last 10 overs. Ganguly remained unbeaten till the end, scoring 111* (114) with the help of five fours & five sixes. Mohammad Kaif (15) and Yuvraj Singh (16) provided him support during the slog overs. Resultant of which, India scored 270-4 in 50 overs.

Sourav had played a much-needed innings for his team. Apparently, it turned out to be his last ODI century. With bowling figures of 10-1-38-1, Peter Ongondo was the pick of the Kenyan bowlers.

In which was a comprehensive victory for India, they ended up winning the match by 91 runs. The Indian bowlers, led by Zaheer Khan (9.2-2-14-3), dismissed the opposition for 179 in 46.2 overs. Steve Tikolo, the then Kenyan captain, top-scored with 56 (83). His innings comprised of five fours and two sixes.

Watch the highlights of the match:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH4tIJzUMMQ