During the first ODI of the VB Series in 2004 at Melbourne, Sourav Ganguly played a magnificent innings which brought India close to a victory. Had the captain of the Indian team not been run out, the result could have been different.

Ricky Ponting, the then Australian captain, had won the toss and elected to bat. On the back of half-centuries form Andrew Symonds (88) and Michael Clarke (63), Australia scored 288-10 in 48.3 overs. For India, Ajit Agarkar had picked up his maiden ODI five-wicket haul and career-best figures of 9.3-1-42-6.

The Indian openers in Virender Sehwag (35) and Sachin Tendulkar (63) stitched a 103-run partnership before the former got bowled to Ian Harvey in the 19th over. Ganguly, who came in to bat at No. 3, scored 82 (83) with the help of six fours and a six. India ended up losing the match by 18 runs as they got all out on 270 in 49 overs. Ian Harvey (10-1-52-3) was the pick of the Australian bowlers.

Watch the video of Ganguly’s innings: