The Somerset Symphony: Ganguly and Dravid’s Masterclass Against Sri Lanka

The 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup witnessed its fair share of drama, but few encounters captured the imagination like India’s emphatic victory over Sri Lanka at Taunton. With both teams facing must-win scenarios to keep their campaigns alive, the stakes were high. What unfolded was a batting masterclass that etched Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid’s names into cricketing folklore.

The Context: A Battle of Redemption

Both India and Sri Lanka entered the match with their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. The defending champions, Sri Lanka, had endured a torrid start, including a humiliating defeat to England in the tournament opener and a subsequent loss to South Africa. Though they managed to defeat Zimbabwe, their campaign lacked the spark that had defined their 1996 triumph.

India’s journey was no less turbulent. A loss to South Africa at Hove was followed by an emotional defeat to Zimbabwe, compounded by the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, who had returned home to mourn his father’s passing. Tendulkar’s return against Kenya brought a century that reignited India’s hopes, but the clash against Sri Lanka remained a do-or-die encounter. Adding to the pressure was India’s dismal World Cup record against Sri Lanka, having lost all three previous encounters.

The Stage is Set

The picturesque County Ground in Taunton, with its short boundaries and firm pitch, promised runs. Sri Lanka’s captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, chose to bowl first, banking on his bowlers to exploit the early conditions. Chaminda Vaas struck early, producing a classic delivery that moved late to bowl Sadagoppan Ramesh. At 6 for 1, India’s innings could have unraveled. Instead, it marked the beginning of a partnership for the ages.

Dravid’s Early Carnage

Known for his stoic approach, Rahul Dravid surprised everyone by launching a counterattack. After a cautious start, he unleashed a flurry of boundaries, driving, flicking, and cutting with precision. Ganguly, typically the aggressor, played the supporting role as Dravid raced to 38 off 25 balls. By the 10th over, India had surged to 71 for 1, forcing Ranatunga to remove Vaas from the attack after a costly five-over spell.

Dravid’s assault set the tone, but it was Ganguly who would dominate the latter stages of the innings.

The Ganguly-Dravid Show

As the partnership grew, so did the run rate. Dravid reached his century off 102 balls, showcasing his ability to adapt to the situation. Ganguly, meanwhile, shifted gears with surgical precision, lofting Aravinda de Silva and Muttiah Muralitharan for towering sixes. His hundred came off 119 balls, and what followed was pure carnage.

Murali, Sri Lanka’s ace spinner, bore the brunt of the assault. His second spell went for 39 runs in three overs as Ganguly and Dravid dismantled the bowling attack with disdain. The pair added 264 runs for the second wicket, breaking the record for the highest second-wicket partnership in ODI history.

The Final Flourish

The dismissal of Dravid, run out for a scintillating 145 off 129 balls, did little to halt India’s momentum. Ganguly continued to dominate, smashing boundaries and clearing the ropes with ease. His innings of 183 off 158 balls included 17 fours and 7 sixes, equaling Viv Richards’ record for most sixes in an ODI innings at the time.

India finished with a mammoth 373 for 7, the second-highest total in World Cup history at that point. The last nine overs yielded an astonishing 122 runs, underscoring the ferocity of the Indian assault.

Sri Lanka’s Faint Response

Chasing 374 was always going to be a daunting task, and Sri Lanka’s hopes were dashed early. Javagal Srinath ran out Sanath Jayasuriya in the third over, while Romesh Kaluwitharana fell leg-before shortly after. Marvan Atapattu and Aravinda de Silva provided brief resistance, but the target was insurmountable.

Robin Singh emerged as the unsung hero with the ball, claiming 5 for 31 in 9.3 overs. His efforts ensured Sri Lanka were bowled out for 216, handing India a resounding 157-run victory and a much-needed boost to their net run rate.

A Tale of Redemption and Records

This match was more than just a victory; it was a statement. Ganguly’s 183 remains one of the greatest innings in World Cup history, while Dravid’s back-to-back centuries underscored his adaptability. The partnership of 324 runs not only shattered records but also symbolized India’s resurgence in the tournament.

Robin Singh’s bowling heroics, though overshadowed by the batting fireworks, played a crucial role in securing the win. His five-wicket haul, the best by an Indian in a World Cup at the time, highlighted the team’s all-round performance.

In the annals of cricket, the Taunton epic stands as a testament to the power of partnerships, the unpredictability of the sport, and the resilience of a team determined to fight against the odds. It was a day when Ganguly and Dravid turned the cricket field into their canvas, painting a masterpiece that would be remembered for generations.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar