On this day in 1993: Mohammad Azharuddin smashes 182 in Kolkata against England
On 29th January 1993, one of India’s greatest willow wielders sparkled against the England bowling attack. Mohammad Azharuddin scored a superb ton and demolished the opposition combining flair and grace.
India batted first in this match and posted a total of 371 on the board. And, the Indian innings was mainly about the Genius of one batter, Azharuddin. The Indian skipper walked out with the Indian side reduced to 93/3 and put on a superb partnership of 123 runs with the great Sachin Tendulkar.
After Tendulkar’s departure too, Azharuddin continued to flay the England bowlers. And, in a blazing knock that lasted 197 deliveries, Azharuddin scored a resplendent 182 and helped India past the 350-run mark.
England produced a poor performance in reply. The Graham Gooch led side was bowled out for just 163, and not a single batter could even score a half-century. Anil Kumble, Venkatapathy Raju and Rajesh Chauhan scalped 3 wickets each.
England were asked to follow on, and posted a total of 286 on the board. Mike Gatting scored a superb 81 for the visitors, as England set India a paltry target of 79. In the second innings, Kumble and Raju combined to scalp 6 wickets between them.
India cruise to a win
The Indian side broke no sweat, and the hosts romped past the target set by England with 8 wickets in the kitty. Navjot Singh Sidhu scored a valuable 37 at the top of the order to help the Indian side make light work of the target. Graeme Hick scalped both Indian wickets to fall in the second innings.
Mohammad Azharuddin won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning innings. Even though close to three decades have passed, this wonderful knock played by Azharuddin is fondly remembered.
