IND vs SA: When Mohammad Azharuddin smashed a record Test century in 1996
Over the years, India and South Africa have emerged as tough competitors on the field and have shared great camaraderie off it. In fact, when South Africa returned to cricket after the apartheid era, they played their first match against India. To date, the Proteas remain one of the few teams in world cricket to dominate India in Indian conditions. Post the T20I battle, both teams will play a 3-match “Gandhi-Mandela” Test series. The first Test begins at Vishakhapatnam on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. In this recap series, our first feature is an ‘Azhar Special’.
Kolkata, 1996
Both India and South Africa have been involved in some epic clashes. One such memorable Test match was played in the year 1996 at Kolkata, which quickly became famous for Gary Kirsten’s twin hundreds in both innings. It was also a special match for debutant all-rounder Lance Klusener, who announced himself by picking eight wickets in the game. But while the Proteas racked up records one after the other, a certain Mohammad Azharuddin was scripting his own story.
After that year’s World Cup debacle, star batsman Sachin Tendulkar had replaced Azhar as the Indian captain. India had already won the first Test in Ahmedabad and were looking to seal the series. But in the second Test at Eden Gardens, South Africa’s sensational comeback helped them win the match and level the series. Despite the loss, Azhar’s blistering knock remained in the public memory for a long time.
Azhar retires hurt for the first time
South Africa scored 428 in the first innings and in response, India’s top order was crumbling on 77-3. Rahul Dravid, Nayan Mongia and Sourav Ganguly had all made their way back to the dressing room. Donning his customary white helmet, the stylish Azhar walked in to create history on the same ground where he received criticism in the 1996 World Cup semi-final. However, Azhar was injured immediately and for the first time in his career, left the field being retired hurt. It was only when Javagal Srinath departed in the form of India’s 7th wicket that the spectators started cheering for a returning Azhar. This time, he was ready to get his revenge.
Azhar’s unbreakable hundred
South Africa’s pacers had the perfect plan to trouble Azhar. They peppered him with short-pitched deliveries, only to find out that the batsman was in no mood to pay heed. He started smacking balls from the off stump straight to midwicket. Using his delicately beautiful wrists, he kept pulling and hooking off the back foot, treating the audience to an unforgettable visual delight. He even thrashed Klusener for five consecutive boundaries in an over.
Thanks to his flamboyant striking, India first avoided the follow-on and Azhar then smashed his fifty in 35 balls. At the other end, Anil Kumble (88) played the perfect fiddle to Azhar. With roaring support from the crowd, an in-form Azhar continued his unstoppable spree and went to score a hundred in record 74 balls. He had, by then, equalled the record for scoring the fastest Test century alongside Kapil Dev. Striking at a rate of 141, he tonked 18 fours and a six in his swashbuckling innings of 109.
It’s been 23 years since that memorable knock from Azhar and yet, his record remains unbroken to date. Relive it here:
