ICC Champions Trophy: close encounters

2000 ICC Knock Out:

India Vs Australia, Nairobi, 7 October

Sachin scored an aggressive 38 which set the tone for the rest of the match

The 2000 edition was named as the ICC Knock Out, with the format remaining the same as that of the previous edition. India vs Australia happened to be the first QF of the tournament. Australia were clear favorites going into the match, with the bowling attack boasting with the likes of Glenn Mcgrath, Brett Lee and Gillespie. Australia won the toss and chose to field in order to take advantage of the damp conditions.

Sachin had different ideas against the legendary McGrath, and indulged in a verbal battle with the Aussie great, hoping to upset his rhythm early on. It worked for Sachin as he plundered McGrath all over the park and took the initiative for India. Sachin’s quick fire 38 off 37 balls set the tone for the rest of the match. India slipped to 90-3 in 18 overs and were in danger of a collapse. Then young debutant, Yuvraj Singh, held the innings together for India, scoring 84 off 80 balls, introducing himself to the international stage in grand style. India posted a score of 265-9 at the end of 50 overs.

Australia were set a target of 266, 42 less of what they had been set by the same opposition two years ago. The Aussies kept up with the run rate in spite of a regular loss of wickets, due to their depth in batting line up. With Australia at 189-7, Steve Waugh and Brett Lee put on a partnership of 35 that threatened to take the match away from India. The dismissal of the two batsmen in successive overs had sealed the match for India and Australia were cleaned up for 245 in the 47th over.

This victory marched India into the semi final where they would win against South Africa by 95 runs and lose to the Kiwis by 4 wickets in the final.