On This Day In 2002: When Tendulkar And Sehwag Crushed England In Kanpur ODI

On This Day In 2002 Cricket: Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, two of India’s most iconic batters, shared several memorable partnerships during their careers. One such standout performance came during England’s

tour of India in 2002, in the fourth One Day International at Green Park, Kanpur.

India had taken a 2-1 lead in the six-match ODI series and were looking to tighten their grip. England captain Nasser Hussain won the toss and chose to bat in a match later reduced to 39 overs per side.

England’s Innings: Spinners Apply The Pressure

Openers Marcus Trescothick and Nick Knight gave England a steady start, adding 70 runs in the first 10 overs. India struck in the 11th over when Anil Kumble dismissed Trescothick for 18.

Kumble struck again to remove Andrew Flintoff cheaply, and England’s momentum slowed as India’s spinners took control. Harbhajan Singh delivered key breakthroughs in successive overs, leaving England at 151/4.

Despite efforts from Graham Thorpe, wickets continued to fall. England eventually posted 218/7 in their allotted overs.

Bowling figures of note:

• Anil Kumble: 2 wickets
• Harbhajan Singh: 2 wickets
• Sourav Ganguly: 2 wickets
• Zaheer Khan: 1 wicket for 31 runs in 8 overs

Tendulkar–Sehwag Turn The Chase Into A One-Sided Affair

Chasing 219, Tendulkar and Sehwag launched an aggressive opening stand, immediately putting England’s bowlers under pressure. At the peak of their powers, the duo added 134 runs in just over 17 overs, effectively deciding the match early.

England’s pace attack – Darren Gough, Matthew Hoggard and Flintoff- struggled to contain the scoring rate, conceding heavily.

It was Paul Collingwood who finally broke the partnership, dismissing Sehwag for a commanding 82 off 62 balls, which included 14 boundaries.

Tendulkar Seals The Win In Style

Tendulkar continued with authority and remained unbeaten on 87 off 67 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six. Sourav Ganguly contributed a brisk 26, while Dinesh Mongia stayed not out with 17.

India reached the target inside 30 overs, winning by eight wickets and moving 3-1 ahead in the series.

Sehwag was deservedly named Player of the Match for his explosive innings.