Ganguly's Century Seals India's Triumph in Dhaka

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2026-01-18 03:38:26 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-08-18 01:40:25

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 11

---

The 1998 Independence Cup final between India and Pakistan was a thrilling encounter that etched itself into cricket's rich history. With the Silver Jubilee Cup at stake, the stage was set for a memorable contest at the historic Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka.

As the Indian team walked out for the final, the pressure was palpable. Chasing a formidable target of 315 set by Pakistan, the Indian batsmen faced a daunting task. The Pakistani bowling attack, led by the legendary Wasim Akram, was in top form, having restricted India to a below-par total in the previous encounter. However, little did the cricket world know that this day would belong to a young, left-handed batsman from Bengal, Sourav Ganguly.

Ganguly, in only his 12th ODI, played a match-winning innings, scoring a brilliant 130 off 152 balls. His century, studded with 17 boundaries and two sixes, set the tone for a successful chase. With the support of the experienced Mohammad Azharuddin (54) and the late flourish from Ajay Jadeja (41 off 27 balls), India reached the target with three wickets and four balls to spare. This victory marked India's first successful run-chase of over 300 in ODI cricket, a remarkable feat at the time.

The final witnessed a display of exceptional cricketing skills and fierce rivalry, leaving an indelible mark on the India-Pakistan cricket narrative. It was a day when Ganguly's brilliance led India to a historic triumph, forever etching his name in the annals of cricket's greatest rivalries. This victory not only boosted India's confidence in their batting prowess but also set a precedent for future high-scoring chases, shaping the team's approach to ODI cricket.

Go!