It’s been two decades since the cricket world witnessed one of the greatest battles on the 22 yards when India and England clashed in the final of the 2002 NatWest Trophy on July 13 at Lord’s. The Men in Blue dedicated their sweat and blood until Sourav Ganguly marked the historic victory by waving his shirt from Lord’s balcony. Under Ganguly’s leadership, India played exceptionally well throughout the tri-series, winning four of their five league games. Heading into the final to meet the hosts, there were doubts about whether they could replicate their earlier performances. However, through extraordinary team effort and Ganguly’s aggressive approach, India lifted the historic NatWest Trophy.

The match: A display of grit and determination

On July 13, 2002, India pulled off a stunning 2-wicket victory in the NatWest Series final against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Chasing a daunting target of 326, Indian openers Ganguly and Virender Sehwag provided a solid foundation with a 102-run stand. However, wickets began to tumble, leaving India in a precarious position at 146/5. A brilliant partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif turned the tide in India’s favour. The duo added 121 runs, with Yuvraj scoring a majestic 69 and Kaif remaining unbeaten on 87.

As the drama continued and wickets fell at regular intervals, the tension was palpable. Needing 12 runs from the last 4 overs, Harbhajan Singh’s quickfire 15 off just 8 balls brought India within touching distance. With 2 runs needed off the final ball, Rahul Dravid, the epitome of calmness, nudged the ball past the fielder, sending the Indian dressing room and a sizeable Indian contingent in the crowd into a frenzy.

The heroes and the iconic celebration by Ganguly

The victory at Lord’s marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket, showcasing the team’s growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure. From Ganguly’s captaincy to Rahul Dravid’s composure and the heroics of Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, and Harbhajan Singh, each player contributed to the triumph. Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration was more than just a spontaneous expression of joy. It was a statement of defiance, a response to the criticism and scepticism India faced during the series. In a moment that captured the nation’s imagination, Ganguly took off his jersey and waved it in defiance at the Lord’s balcony, a gesture that reverberated across India. This act signified India’s newfound aggression and self-belief.

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The 2002 NatWest Trophy win was more than just a victory; it was a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It marked the arrival of a new, aggressive India, one that wouldn’t be cowed by tradition or reputation. The team, under Ganguly’s leadership, ushered in a new era of dominance in world cricket. Today, we celebrate the heroes who made it possible, and the triumph remains one of India’s most memorable victories in international cricket, continuing to inspire generations of cricket fans.