Published: Nov 24, 2015, 02:14 PM (IST)
Edited: Nov 25, 2015, 11:19 PM (IST)
It was not the first time when Sachin Tendulkar saved a One-Day International (ODI) defeat for India with his bowling. Two years ago, in 1991 at Perth, when India were defending a low total of 126 runs, Tendulkar bowled a thrilling last over in which he conceded only five runs and took a wicket as well. But on this day, in 1993, Tendulkar ensured India’s victory with his another-nerve breaking last over.
It was a match of many first things and one of the most exciting matches between India and South Africa in ODIs. At the jam-packed stadium of Eden Gardens, the match was played under the lights for the very first time. Smoke bombs were deployed to deter vast swarms of insects, again for the first time. It was also the first cricket match in India when video replay was being used.
Two seasons before, South Africa made their comeback to international cricket on the same ground in 1991 and Tendulkar had scored a brilliant half-century against Allan Donald led-attack in defence of a low total. But this time, he could do little with the bat as he just contributed 15 runs.
Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin pushed his team total to 195 with his knock of 90 runs along with Pravin Amre’s 48. India’s batting collapse was due to lack of understanding between the players, which can be easily understood by having a look at the scorecard that shows five run outs in the first innings and also speaks volumes about South Africa’s excellent fielding.
This was the second consecutive encounter between these two teams in the Hero Cup 1993. South African batting line up too collapsed and only Andrew Hudson and Brian McMillan were able to score some runs. The match came to the last five overs with the visitors needing 45, which was down to seven when they lost Dave Richardson. They entered the final over with 6 runs needed to win. With Tendulkar bowling seam-up, McMillan tried to get two runs off the first ball but on this course, Fannie de Villiers was run out, which was seventh of the match. Now Allan Donald came to face the cheering crowd and calm Tendulkar and started off with a dot ball which was followed by two more dot balls and then a single.
Now they needed 4 from the last ball and McMillan was on strike. Captain Azhar took his time to set the field and with the presure building up, Tendulkar gambolled in. McMillan tried his best but could not connect properly and got only single. With this, India won the semi-final match of Hero Cup 1993 with a nerve-breaking end and entered into the finals. India won the final match too against West Indies by 102 runs and lifted the Hero Cup.
(Abhishek Kumar is a cricket devotee currently staffing with Criclife.com. He can be followed at abhicricket.kumar and @abhishekkr2593)
