The Natwest Series final between India and England in 2002 is widely deemed as one of the greatest ODI matches. India had registered a nervy two-wicket victory in that game while chasing England’s mammoth target of 325.
At one point in time, the Men in Blue were tottering at 146 for 5 but the duo of Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh were on a different mission as they added 121-run for the sixth wicket to change the complexion of the match. While Yuvraj scored a blistering 63-ball 69, Kaif remained unbeaten on 75-ball 87 to guide India home with 3 balls to spare.
The Natwest final 2002 also became iconic as India’s then skipper Sourav Ganguly had taken his shirt off at the Lord’s balcony after the victory.
July 13, 2022 marked the 20th anniversary of Natwest final and on the occasion, India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar posted a video on his official YouTube channel to remember the famous match.
Tendulkar, who was dismissed on 14 in the run-chase at Lord's, opened up on the dressing room atmosphere during the partnership between Yuvraj and Kaif.
“By the end of the 25th over, we had probably lost five wickets. We were disappointed because we had lost wickets. And both batters at the crease were youngsters. Yuvi had started his career only 2 or 2.5 years ago, and Kaif had just entered the side,” Tendulkar said.
"But you could see that energy. They converted ones into twos, they were smashing boundaries. There were messages circulating from dressing room, we were communication in sign language. When Yuvi attacked, Kaif played a brilliant supporting role. When Yuvi was dismissed, Kaif took charge and took the game to the end. It was a nail-biting finish.
“We decided that no one will move from their spots in the dressing room. I was instrumental in telling that to everyone!”
Tendulkar also revealed that Yuvraj and Kaif came to him after the final to have a chat with him.
“Dada took his jersey off, that everyone knows. But there is another story that no one knows about. Yuvi and Kaif came to meet me after the game, they said, 'Paaji, our performance was good, but if we have to do something even better than this, what should we do?' I was like, 'you have just won the tournament for us! What more do you want to do? Just keep doing the same and Indian cricket will be fine'. They haven't disappointed us,” said Tendulkar.
