On this day: Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid stitch a historic 318-run partnership
There are some matches in the Cricket World cup which are remembered fondly by everyone who witnessed it. One such match was played on this day i.e. 26th May back in 1999 World Cup, which the Indian cricket fans will hardly forget. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid batted brilliantly against Sri Lanka in this match played in Taunton. Both the batsmen not only stitched a unique partnership in the match but also made a wonderful record. Ganguly and Dravid added 318 runs for the second wicket. This was the first time in ODI cricket history when a pair had shared more than 300 runs.
The 1999 World Cup was played in England and the Indian team did not have a good start to the tournament. They had to face defeat against South Africa and Zimbabwe in their opening two matches of this World Cup. After losing two matches in the league stage, the Indian team captained by Mohammad Azharuddin came on the field in a do or die match against Sri Lanka. In this game, Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga won the toss and decided to bowl first. Sourav Ganguly and Sadagopan Ramesh came to open the innings for India. The team did not have a good start and Ramesh returned to the pavilion for 5 runs.
It seemed that the opening wicket would prove beneficial for Sri Lanka, but Ganguly, along with Rahul Dravid, crushed the opposition’s plans. Ganguly and Dravid were so determined at the crease that they created history. Both shared a 318-run partnership for the second wicket. In this partnership, Ganguly scored 183 and Dravid scored 145 runs. While Ganguly hit 17 fours and 7 sixes in his innings, Dravid hit 17 fours and 1 six. This is Ganguly’s highest score in ODI cricket.
This partnership between Dravid and Ganguly, at this moment, is the fourth-highest partnership in ODIs. India posted a total of 373 for 6 wickets in the match, due to the amazing performance from both. The Sri Lankan team could not pose a challenge in front of this big score of India. In response, Sri Lanka’s entire team was dismissed for 216 runs in the 43rd over. The Indian team won this match by 157 runs. Robin Singh was the most successful bowler for India picking up 5 wickets in his match. The Indian team did not reach the semi-finals in the 1999 World Cup.
