On March 1, 2003, cricket fans around the world were treated to an unforgettable one-day international match between India and Pakistan at Centurion Park in South Africa. This classic match is still talked about by cricket fans today, almost two decades later, and is considered one of the greatest one-day matches ever played.
India won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a target of 274 runs for Pakistan to chase. The Indian batting line-up was led by the masterful Sachin Tendulkar, who scored a brilliant 98 runs off 75 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six. Other notable contributions came from Virender Sehwag (21), Sourav Ganguly (60), and Rahul Dravid (44).
In reply, Pakistan got off to a solid start, with openers Saeed Anwar and Taufeeq Umar putting on a partnership of 58 runs. But it was the innings of the talented youngster, Mohammad Kaif, which proved to be the turning point of the match. Kaif took four crucial wickets, including the wicket of Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was looking set to take the game away from India. His final figures were 3 for 45 in 10 overs.
Pakistan were reduced to 161 for 6, but then came a brilliant partnership between Younis Khan and Abdul Razzaq, which almost took the game away from India. They put on a partnership of 102 runs, with Khan scoring 62 runs off 78 balls and Razzaq scoring 48 off just 46 balls. The match was evenly poised, with Pakistan needing just 59 runs to win from 49 balls.
However, it was the cool head of Indian captain, Sourav Ganguly, who made the difference in the end. He brought back Zaheer Khan, who had been expensive in his previous spell, and Khan repaid his captain’s faith by taking three crucial wickets in his second spell. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 273 runs, falling just one run short of the target.
This match will always be remembered as a classic encounter between two of cricket’s greatest rivals. It had everything – brilliant batting, outstanding bowling, and nerve-wracking moments. It was a match that showcased the true spirit of the game, and it will continue to be talked about by cricket fans for generations to come.
