New Zealand were playing a five-match series in India in the year 1999. The Black Caps had won the first match unexpectedly. It was time for revenge at Hyderabad. Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid had made their mind to make their point and how. A record second wicket partnership that was the highest for any wicket in the world! 331 runs in a total of 376 for two in 50 overs.
Captain Sachin scored his 24th century in ODI cricket, matched stroke by stroke by his partner Rahul Dravid in this massive partnership. The Indian team had the services of Srinath, Prasad and Kumble back for this series and hence the captain decided to have a field day at the expense of the beleaguered Kiwis. After Sourav Ganguly missed out early, Tendulkar and Dravid got together and went hammer and tongs against the bowling. Only Dan Vettori can claim to have reined in the batting to a certain extent among the seven bowlers tried out.
The response from New Zealand was a foregone conclusion. They were dismissed 174 runs short with more than 15 overs to spare. The Indian bowlers shared the spoils but they would be also ready to admit that their task was easier made by the mega partnership in the morning. It is remarkable to note that this partnership stands even in this age of T20 cricket and large scores. Such was the dominance of this pair!
 |
| Thanks to Tribune India for this image |
The response from New Zealand was a foregone conclusion. They were dismissed 174 runs short with more than 15 overs to spare. The Indian bowlers shared the spoils but they would be also ready to admit that their task was easier made by the mega partnership in the morning. It is remarkable to note that this partnership stands even in this age of T20 cricket and large scores. Such was the dominance of this pair!
No comments:
Post a Comment