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London, UK
July 13, 2002, Lords: A pleasant evening in London when Saurav Ganguly-led Indian cricket team laid the foundation for the future generation to become the unassailable chasers one day. It was a day when the Blue jerseys fought all the odds and emerged as the champions.
On that day, team India came back from the edge of defeat to beat England and lift the NatWest Trophy after the outstanding performance by Yuvraj Singh and Mohammed Kaif.
The victory was like a dream come true for the fans who had seen many unfortunate losses of team India while chasing.
In the match, England had won the toss and opted to bat at the on the best pitches in the world. For England, Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain scored 109 and 115 respectively, as England had set a mammoth target of 325.
In today's scenario, 300+ target is not a big deal but at that time, such totals were considered as unachievable.
While chasing, India were down to 146/5 at one stage. Although, Virendra Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly gave a good start to the team but lost their wicket after scoring 45 and 60 respectively.
The hopes were still alive as players like Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar were still there but it did not last long as English bowler Ronnie Irani sent Dravid back to the pavilion.
Soon after that, the fans finally gave up when cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was outbowled by Ashley Giles after scoring just 14 runs. I remember, many switched off their televisions.
However, in a stunning turn of events, then youngsters Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh stood up and inspired the team towards victory. Yuvi lost his wicket but determined Kaif remained unbeaten. He found an ally in Zaheer Khan and they won the match with three balls to spare.
Mohammad Kaif was awarded player of the match for his brilliant performance in a crucial situation.
From Zaheer's winning runs to Sourav Ganguly's memorable shirtless celebration after winning, those moments are very special for all fans of team India.
The generation which endured many losses but never lost hope in the Blue jersey, the beautiful memory from Lords will remain in their hearts till infinity and beyond.
India is currently on the tour of England to play all three forms of cricket for a duration of three months. Virat Kohli-led team India have already won the three-match T20 series by 2-1 and both the teams are set to lock horns for three-match One Day International series. Will that epic shirt-waving-stun ever happen again? How will the next generation remember India vs England match? We all will wait and watch.