NatWest Tri-series 2002, Yuvraj cements his middle-order spot

Sourav Ganguly was in process of transforming his new look Indian side into a formidable one and it all started in the NatWest Series 2002, especially in the final of the tri-series. England faced an upbeat Indian team at Lord’s and looked good to win the trophy as they posted 325 runs on the board.

Nasser Hussain, then England captain slammed his one and only ODI century, a 115 and Marcus Trescothick continued his good run with 109 at the top. India had the goods to chase down the total, though, in those days, 325 was an unbeatable score on the board. India made the chase harder on themselves, as they lost wickets in a heap after Sehwag and Ganguly added 106 in just 15 overs. Then both openers, Mongia, Tendulkar and Dravid got out in succession leaving India 146/5 in 24 overs.

But then two young turks Yuvraj and Mohammad Kaif got together and slowly but surely started chipping away at the runs. The duo added 121 runs for the sixth wicket and Yuvraj fell for 69 in 63 balls, but by then India was on its way to the victory, which was completed by Kaif, who made 87* and we all got to see Sourav Ganguly take off his shirt and wave it on the balcony at the Lord’s.