WATCH Throwback to the Natwest Series 2002 final when Sourav Ganguly underestimated Mohammad Kai

The Natwest Series final between India and England is etched in every Indian fan’s memory for the stupendous achievement of chasing down a huge total of 325 from a big spot of bother. The image of captain Sourav Ganguly waving his shirt with full passion from the balcony of the Lord’s Cricket Ground is something that will never be forgotten as long as the game lives and goes on.

It had looked near-impossible for India especially when centuries from Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain took England to a potentially match-winning total. In the chase, India were reeling at 146/5 in 24 overs having lost all their talismanic batsmen including Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. However, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif came up with the knocks of their lives.

Sourav Ganguly asks Mohammad Kaif to take a single; Kaif responds in style

It was Yuvraj Singh who started the rescue act for India by playing the role of the aggressor by taking on the English bowlers. Mohammad Kaif offered excellent support to the southpaw by guarding his wicket. It was when Yuvraj was in full flow and batting on 58 that captain Sourav Ganguly sent a message from the balcony to Kaif. He asked him using signs to take a single and get Yuvraj on strike.

However, Kaif did not heed the advice and instead took it upon himself to score big shots by hitting a huge six over the legside. Ganguly from the balcony was mighty pleased with it and did not mind the fact that his advice was not taken. The climax of the match is well-known to Indian cricket fans as Kaif hit 87* to lead his side to a victory in the last over in the company of Zaheer Khan.

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