March 1, 2003. The World Cup was being played in South Africa, but the match that was going to draw the most attention, even more than the final, would not involve the hosts, nor did it have the defending champions Australia. But this game was the Mother of All Battles. Yes, we are talking of India and Pakistan.?
The two teams had last played in the 2000 Asia Cup. So one can imagine the expectation in the build-up. From the day we learned that India and Pakistan were in the same group, fans on both sides of the border were counting the days. Even the neutrals knew this was not just another game.?
Both teams came into the game with contrasting situations. India had 4 wins in 5 games and were already into the Super Six stage. Pakistan had just 2 victories in the same number of matches and were on the verge of elimination. History was on India's side with 3 out of 3 World Cup wins vs the Men in Green. And one man would ensure it would be 4 in 4. The Master Blaster, Sachin Tendulkar.?
India were set a target of 274 to win. It was a challenging total and in the face of Pakistan's Holy Trinity of fast bowling, even more imposing. Who are we referring to? Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. But standing before them was the world's best batsman. And he was out for blood.?
The innings Sachin played can only be described as majestic. No slogging, but every shot at a stamp of class and was packed with power. The upper cut six that sent Akhtar to the stands was the highlight of the day. Wasim did force a false shot but Abdul Razzaq dropped the catch and the bowler's reaction told the story - they had let him off the hook.?
Waqar tried to subdue him but to know avail. Pretty soon Pakistan's trifecta of pacers were looking tired and worn out. Sachin was taming them and they were submitting. Pakistan was put to the sword and it was Sachin's flashing blade that was cutting off the head.?
With 96 needed, Akhtar produced a brute of a ball that saw Sachin back in the pavilion. But by then he had done enough to ensure an Indian win. He missed a hundred, but the joy of the win and the fact that we had beaten Pakistan again in World Cups must have diluted any pain of the century.?
98 runs came from his bat in 75 balls. 12 fours and a six punctuated his innings in what would end up as a great tournament for him. The loss pushed Pakistan even further out of the World Cup and they eventually would not make the Super Six. India would go on to enter the final and lose to the Aussies.?
?But on that day Sachin ruled. 20 years on, this knock is still fondly remembered by both Indian fans and players. No doubt those that side of the border remember it too, just the memories will be of a different kind. ????