On this day in 1997, Indian cricketing legend Sourav Ganguly etched his name in ODI history with a stellar bowling performance against Pakistan in Toronto. The match, a crucial encounter in a five-match series, saw Ganguly deliver a game-changing spell that turned the tide in India’s favour.
In a pivotal third ODI of the five-match series, Pakistan, having lost the first two games, faced a must-win situation. They were up against India, who had posted a modest 182/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Mohammad Azharuddin top-scored with a gritty 67 on a pitch that favoured fast bowlers.
With India’s total in hand, Pakistan was optimistic, particularly given their solid start with an opening partnership of 52 runs between Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi.
On this day in 1997, Sourav Ganguly recorded his best ODI bowling figures when he took 5/16 against Pakistan in Toronto #DidYouKnow Ganguly has taken 100 wickets in ODIs! Can you name his first scalp? pic.twitter.com/yVH9t4grY1— ICC (@ICC) September 18, 2020
However, Ganguly, who had contributed just 2 runs with the bat, turned the game on its head with his bowling.
Stepping in as the fourth seamer, Ganguly dismantled Pakistan’s innings, claiming five wickets.
From a promising 87/2, Pakistan crumbled to 148 all out, falling short by 34 runs.
This victory propelled India to a 3-0 lead in the series, ultimately resulting in a 4-1 triumph. Ganguly’s match-winning heroics earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award.
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