5 most riveting Series/Tournament finales played at the Wankhede
The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has witnesses a number of thrilling finales over the yearsThe decider of the ongoing 5-match ODI series between India and South Africa will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Given that each of the four games in the series so far have been keenly contested, this game is also expected to go down to the absolute wire. In fact, India have locked horns with the Proteas thrice at this venue and on two occasions, they have barely managed to scamper past them.Interestingly, the Wankhede too has witnessed several breathtaking series finales over the years. Let’s take a trip down the memory lane and revisit 5 of the most thrilling finales played at this iconic Mumbai stadium.
#1 India vs South Africa, The Final, 1996-97 Titan Cup
Having tamed both India and Australia in every group stage game of this triangular tournament, South Africa were clear favorites to romp home in the finale as well. India, on the other hand, had looked good only in patches and were in the final, courtesy of two very narrow victories over the Aussies.
On winning the toss, Indian skipper Sachin Tendulkar opted to bat first in a bid to build some scoreboard pressure. Though Manjrekar and Tendulkar got the Indians off to a decent start, the Proteas kept picking up wickets at regular intervals and kept the flow of runs under check. When the Indian captain was dismissed for 67 with the score reading 137/4, it triggered a mini-collapse of sorts as India were reduced to 153/6 soon after. A late cameo by Ajay Jadeja ensured that the Men in Blue posted a decent total of 220/7 in their 50 overs.
Courtesy of some disciplined bowling by Venkatesh Prasad and Javagal Srinath, South Africa had a disastrous start to their run chase as they lost a couple of wickets with just 29 runs on the board. Thereafter, the slower bowlers, viz Anil Kumble, Sunil Joshi and Robin Singh were pressed into operation, thereby making run scoring all the more difficult on a sluggish wicket. Soon, the Proteas were left reeling at 95/7.
When all seemed lost for the visitors, an 88-run partnership between David Richardson and Pat Symcox brought them back into the game. Just when it seemed that the duo would take the game away from India, Venkatesh Prasad struck, much to the delight of the Indian fans. Thereafter, Kumble quickly cleaned up Symcox and Allan Donald to hand India a 35-run win over their more fancied visitors.