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India’s Independence Cup triumph over Pakistan, by 3 wickets in a nail-biting thriller at the National Stadium in Dhaka, remains one of the most significant moments in Indian cricket history.
Sourav Ganguly led India’s knock from the front and scored 124 runs with 11 boundaries and one six. (Image: The Bharat Army/X, formerly Twitter)
On This Day In 1998: Exactly 27 years ago, India scripted history by winning the 1998 Silver Jubilee Independence Cup in Bangladesh. It was a tri-nation series between Pakistan, Bangladesh and India. The Independence Cup triumph at the National Stadium in Dhaka is still widely regarded as one of the most significant moments in Indian cricket history.
India locked horns with their arch-rivals Pakistan in the final on this day and emerged victorious, courtesy of a match-winning performance from Sourav Ganguly. The tournament itself was a celebration of Bangladesh’s independence and it provided a platform for the intense rivalry between two of cricket’s biggest teams.
India and Pakistan headed into the last fixture of the best-of-three final with a victory each. The deciding game was a high-octane affair with Pakistan batting first after winning the toss. Under the leadership of Rashid Latif, the Men in Green showcased their firepower, posting a mammoth total of 314.
Saeed Anwar opened the innings for his side and smashed a brilliant 140 in 132 deliveries. He smashed 14 boundaries and two sixes in the game. Anwar formed a 230-run partnership with Iljaz Ahmed who added 117 in 112 balls. Harvinder Singh picked three wickets for India.
With the batting line-up spearheaded by the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, the Men in Blue showcased a blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
Tendulkar added a quick 26-ball 41 before losing his wicket to Shahid Afridi. The Master Blaster’s dismissal didn’t slow India’s innings as Ganguly formed a 179-run partnership with Robin Singh. He led India’s knock from the front and scored 124 runs with 11 boundaries and one six. The future India captain eventually lost his wicket in the 43rd over which briefly left his side in a complicated situation.
Following Sourav Ganguly’s dismissal India lost a few wickets in quick succession. The duo of Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Javagal Srinath stepped up during the crucial hour and saw India home with knocks of 11 and five runs, respectively. The Men in Blue eventually secured a three-wicket win in the penultimate ball of the game.
The 1998 Independence Cup triumph holds a special place in Indian cricket lore. The narrow victory over Pakistan was a testament to the team’s undying spirit, resilience and ability to deliver under pressure. It also solidified India’s place as a dominant cricketing force in the world.
- Location :
Dhaka, Bangladesh
