LONDON, 4 September 2004 — Giving a superlative display, England took a winning 2-0 lead in the NatWest Challenge when they defeated India by 70 runs in the second match at the Brit Oval here yesterday.
Asked to bat first by Indian captain Saurav Ganguly, England amassed a massive 307 for five in their 50 overs thanks to two fine innings from Man of the Match Andrew Flintoff (99) and Paul Collingwood (79 not out).
In reply, India gave yet another pathetic batting display to be all out for 237 in 46.3 overs. The capacity crowd, mostly Indian supporters, were yet again disappointed as the poor batting form of the Indians continued.
Mohammed Kaif was again India’s top scorer with 51. But it was the last wicket pair of Harbhajan Singh (41 not out) and Lakshmipati Balaji who set a new record for India in one-dayers, scoring 64.
The record stood in the name of Ajay Jadeja and Javagal Srinath, who made 62 against South Africa in Sharjah.
Ganguly’s decision to field first after winning the toss surprised many. England were soon off to a fluent start with the in-form Vikram Solanki and Marcus Trecosthick scoring at a fast pace. They had no problem facing the Indian seamers and took their team to past 50 in only 49 balls. Solanki was particularly harsh on Agarkar hitting him for three fours in his second over.
But the introduction of spin in the form of Harbhajan Singh’s off-spin not only applied the brakes to England’s free scoring but also gave India the much-needed breakthrough.
Trescothick tried to hit Harbhajan out of the attack and was caught in the deep for 27. Harbhajan’s second victim, caught behind trying to glance was England captain Michael Vaughan for four. England’s progress was somewhat halted at 93 for two in the 16th over.
In a wise move, Ganguly employed double spin attack by introducing Sehwag with Harbhajan. New batsman Strauss fell trying to sweep Sehwag and top-edging to Ganguly who had to dive to hold a superb catch.
Solanki appeared on the verge of his second successive half century after making a comeback to the team but got out when just two runs short. He cut Sehwag into the safe hands of wicketkeeper Dravid. Solanki’s 48 had eight boundaries. India were back into the game with England at 105 for four in the 21st over.
But then came together Flintoff and Collingwood. Flintoff, known for his aggressive and slam-bang methods displayed another facet of his batsmanship. He offered a straight bat and dour defense to frustrate the Indian bowlers.
Collingwood was equally patient and both batsmen knew that the innings was not even halfway through in terms of number of overs.
They had a plan — to see through the spell of Harbhajan and Sehwag. Harbhajan bowled amazingly accurately and his immaculate line and length commanded respect even from Flintoff. His 10 overs cost just 14 runs.
Flintoff and Collingwood gradually opened out as they judiciously selected the loose balls to punish. Flintoff was a sheer delight as he lofted, hooked and pulled effortlessly to see the ball sail into the stands. They added 175 runs for the fifth wicket. Flintoff, reprieved when on 80 by Balaji off Irfan, was unlucky to miss his hundred.
He top-edged Agarkar and Dravid ran back to take the catch. Flintoff’s 99 came off 93 balls and was compiled with the help of four mighty sixes and nine fours. Collingwood remained unbeaten on 79 and slammed 11 boundaries while facing 85 balls. England amassed 100 runs in their last 10 overs and 60 in the final five.
India needing to score at the rate of 6.16 runs per over, were off to a disastrous start losing both openers with only 14 runs on the board. Sehwag was trapped leg before by Darren Gough in his first over and Ganguly collided with Laxman taking a quick single to be run out. He dropped his bat in the mid-pitch collision and was yards out.
The gamble to send Mohammed Kaif at No. 4 paid off. The gutsy batsman who got a half century in the first match, was in irresistible form. He and Laxman revived Indian hopes with a fighting partnership. Kaif was in punishing mood as he cut and drove with panache. He smashed Alex Wharf for three fours in his first over and Vaughan had to take Wharf off the attack.
Kaif and Laxman added 88 runs for the third wicket before Laxman was well held by Collingwood in the covers off Giles. Laxman made 33.
Dravid’s poor form continued and he did not last long, edging Wharf to the wicketkeeper for just one run.
Kaif duly completed his ninth one-day half century but was out immediately after falling in the leg trap as he tried to sweep Giles. His 51 had eight boundaries and came off 69 balls. India at 113 for five were struggling for survival.
It was all practically over when Rohan Gavaskar was bowled by Giles who finished with three wickets for 26 runs in his 10 overs and Yuvraj was caught by Vaughan at short mid-wicket for 24. Irfan was caught for a duck off Gough and Agarkar smashed two sixes and a four in his 22
Wickets kept falling at regular intervals but the Indian tailenders threw their bats about to take their team past the 200 mark.
Harbhajan and Balaji put on a record 64 runs off 63 balls for the last wicket. Flintoff yorked Balaji to end the Indian innings. He made 18. Harbhajan remained 41 not out, hitting one six and five fours in 39 balls.
Gough finished with four for 50.
