Sachin Tendulkar’s 98 runs off 75 balls against Shoaib Akhtar is one of the most memorable matches. Shahid Akhtar says he spent 1.5 days in hospital before Pakistan v India match. Gave up 72 runs and Sachin Tendulkar’s wicket during 10 overs bowled by him.
On August 28, 2022, Team India will face off against Pakistan in a massive matchup at the men’s Asia Cup. It has been about a year since these two teams last competed against each other, with Babar Azam’s men cruising to a 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Conveniently, the same stadium hosts games in the Asia Cup (Dubai International Stadium). In anticipation of the big game, cricket fans and former players on both teams are looking back on their most memorable matches against their bitter rivals. Earlier this week, Star Sports broadcast a video of Pakistan’s speed sensation Shoaib Akhtar recounting an epic match from the 2003 World Cup.
The match between India and Pakistan in Centurion, captained by Sourav Ganguly, is widely regarded as one of the best between the two countries. With the win, India maintained its perfect record in World Cup matches. As India chased down a 274-run goal with six wickets to spare, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar had a brilliant display, scoring 98 runs off 75 deliveries.
Tendulkar’s early carnage against Akhtar is the most memorable aspect of the match. The “master blaster” plundered 18 runs off the speedster’s first over, and Akhtar was taken out of the attack shortly after. The former Pakistani pacer said he spent 1.5 days in the hospital before the game and made a significant accusation against the current Pakistan captain, Waqar Younis.
One and a half days before the game, I was hospitalised. I think this was my 25th or 26th knee injection. “I told the captain that I’m having some trouble bowling and that I’m not enjoying it to the fullest,” Akhtar stated on Star Sports.
If Imran Khan had been around, he would have instructed me to “bhaag ke aa aur sirf bodyline bowling kar” (pointing towards head). 6 chakke maarta hai tu maarne de. No, I only need one wicket, and I’ll tell you why. Keep running hard and bowling, and you’ll be OK. Go for his head. Yes, you must bowl even if you get hit for six. All that is required is a wicket. At the very least, one will miss the mark. However, what truly transpired? When the attack was over, I was taken out of it. After taking a six, I was taken out of the game.
Half the battle would have been over if I had just written off Sehwag and Sachin right there. I appreciated being called the fastest bowler, but what I really cared about was taking wickets,” Akhtar explained.
A full 10 overs were bowled by the fast bowler, during which time he gave up 72 runs and Tendulkar’s wicket.
