A bowling line-up comprising Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar can run via any opposition, and that is what Akhtar focused — to run via the Indian batting line-up, which was equally ominous with Tendulkar and Sehwag on the prime, adopted by Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh.
However Akhtar’s plans went flat proper from the beginning of India’s chase, after Saeed Anwar’s century took Pakistan to a difficult 273 for 7.
“I bear in mind Shoaib Akhtar gave an announcement that he’ll goal the (Indian) prime order aur unko dharashayi kar denge (and can demolish it). I did not learn it, nor did, I believe, Tendulkar as a result of we used to keep away from newspapers and TV throughout these days. Lekin uska jawab karara diya Sachin Tendulkar ne,” Sehwag stated in a Star Sports activities video two years in the past.
Tendulkar launched an aggressive assault on Akhtar, pummeling him for 18 runs in his opening over, ending it with a 6, 4, 4, off the final three deliveries.
Tendulkar was at his elegant greatest, scoring a powerful 98 runs off simply 75 balls, which up to now he considers his greatest ODI knock.
By the way, Sehwag, who was dismissed by Younis for 21, made one other look within the center in the course of the match as Tendulkar’s runner after the legend began cramping in the direction of the latter a part of his innings.
“I additionally got here to run for Tendulkar in the course of the sport as a result of he was having cramps, and Shahid Afridi was abusing him so much, saved saying one thing or the opposite,” recalled Sehwag. “However he (Tendulkar) remained focussed. He knew it was essential for him to remain on the crease. He often doesn’t take a runner, however nonetheless he knew that if I come, I’ll run as he does. There received’t be any run-out or misunderstanding.”
One among Tendulkar’s photographs that continues to be etched within the reminiscence of followers is the six he hit off Akhtar within the second over of India’s run-chase — an uppercut that sailed into the group and acquired the Indian followers leaping.
“These sorts of photographs are usually not deliberate, once you see the ball and have time to play then you definately go for it,” Tendulkar stated, speaking about it on the India At this time Conclave in 2023. “That is precisely what occurred. I noticed that the ball was slightly bit outdoors the off stump and it was quick.”
Akhtar acquired his revenge later within the match, dismissing Tendulkar two runs wanting a well-deserved century. However Yuvraj (50 not out) and Dravid (44 not out) thwarted Pakistan’s comeback hopes to take the group to a well-known six-wicket win.
