2002 NatWest Trophy Final — India's Greatest ODI Chase
The 2002 NatWest Trophy Final at Lord's saw India chase down 326 through Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif in one of cricket's most celebrated run chases. Here's the full story.
On 13 July 2002, India produced one of their greatest ever ODI run chases at Lord's Cricket Ground. Set 326 to win the NatWest Trophy Final against England, India slumped to 146/5. Enter 21-year-old Yuvraj Singh and 21-year-old Mohammad Kaif. Their partnership of 121 from 97 balls — Yuvraj 69, Kaif 87* — won the match by 2 wickets with 3 balls to spare. Sourav Ganguly's shirt-off celebration from the dressing room balcony became one of cricket's iconic images.
England's innings
England posted 325/5 from 50 overs, with Marcus Trescothick scoring 109 and Nasser Hussain 115. The total looked formidable — particularly on a Lord's surface that was expected to assist the England pace attack. India's top order of Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid, Sehwag, and Virender Sehwag largely failed, and at 146/5 the match appeared over.
The famous partnership
Yuvraj Singh arrived at number 6 and immediately played his natural game — powerful hitting mixed with sensible running. Kaif at number 7 proved unflappable under pressure, rotating the strike and farming the strike from Yuvraj during his most aggressive phases. Together they carried India to within sight of victory before Yuvraj fell for 69. Zaheer Khan then survived with Kaif for the last-wicket run to bring India home.
Significance
The match is celebrated for multiple reasons: it was India's first ODI trophy in England, it announced Yuvraj Singh as a future star, it proved Mohammad Kaif — who had been questioned about his place in the side — as an outstanding fielder and clutch batsman, and it demonstrated Ganguly's fearless leadership that defined Indian cricket in the early 2000s.
Frequently asked questions
What was the target in the 2002 NatWest Trophy Final?
India chased 326 set by England (325/5) at Lord's on 13 July 2002. India won by 2 wickets off the penultimate ball.
Who won the 2002 NatWest Trophy Final?
India won, thanks primarily to Yuvraj Singh (69) and Mohammad Kaif (87*) who put on 121 for the 6th wicket from 146/5.
Why is Ganguly's celebration famous?
After India's win, Sourav Ganguly removed his shirt and waved it from the Lord's dressing room balcony — mirroring Andrew Flintoff's similar celebration after England beat India at Wankhede earlier that year.