Relive India's greatest ever comeback - The Natwest Series 2002

In the early 2000s, not many Indians believed that the Indian cricket team had it in them to go to a foreign country such as England, Australia, South Africa or even New Zealand and win a series against the hosts. But all that changed when a shirtless Sourav Ganguly raced onto the pitch at Lord’s on this day 16 years ago after a brilliant innings by Mohammed Kaif had handed the visitors a memorable series win on foreign soil.

India were given a target of 326 after English skipper, Nasser Hussain (115) and opening batsman, Marcus Trescothick (109) led the hosts’ to a total of 325/5 after 50 overs. Andrew Flintoff’s quickfire 40 from 32 also ensured that it would be England’s highest ODI total at that time. 

In reply to that, India got off to an impressive start as the opening pair of Virender Sehwag (40) and Sourav Ganguly (60) gave the visitors a glimmer of hope in a gutsy deciding match of the Natwest series. But after Ganguly’s men lost five wickets (including that of Tendulkar's) for just 40 runs, all seemed lost for the Indians in what was turning out to be another disappointing outing on the foreign soil.

But when it looked like the end was near, the young pair of all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and the flamboyant Mohammed Kaif stepped in and grabbed the opportunity to etch themselves in the history of Indian cricket with both hands. Singh’s inspiring 69 off 63 deliveries and Kaif’s unbeaten 87 ensured the Indian’s a memorable victory at the Lord’s and a subsequent series victory in the Natwest ODI series as well.

The fond memories of a shirtless Sourav Ganguly and a jubilant Mohammed Kaif will forever remain in the hearts and minds of Indian cricket fans for a long time.