5 memorable ODI encounters between India and South Africa

#2 India grabs the opportunity after Gibbs is injured; India vs South Africa, Champions Trophy 2002

Cricket they say is a game of glorious uncertainties. An inspired spell of bowling, a spirited knock in the middle or even an aggressive bout of fielding at times provides a team, which is inching closer to a loss, the impetus to go for the kill. At times, an injury at a crucial point of the game too helps revive the drooping shoulders, instilling in the team a belief that a game can still be in the pocket despite the prevalent situation.

The first semi-final of the Champions Trophy in 2002 played at Colombo between India and South Africa had a familiar script to offer the Proteas- a clinical performance early on, followed by a falter that ended in disappointment and heartbreak.

India, batting first, notched up a score of 261/9, courtesy a blistering knock from opener Virender Sehwag and a determined innings from Yuvraj Singh and Rahul Dravid, despite the regular fall of wickets.

South Africa looked on course for an appearance in the final after Herschelle Gibbs smashed his second consecutive ODI century, taking his team to a commanding position of 192/1 in 37 overs. With only 70 runs to win in 192 deliveries and with 9 wickets in hand, a comfortable victory looked well on the cards.

It is here that destiny presented the Indian team with a miniscule window of opportunity, one that was readily grabbed with both hands by the Men in Blue.

Gibbs, batting on a well-made 116 retired hurt after a series of cramps bogged him down, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Bowling and fielding as if their life depended on it, the Indian team recorded a sensational victory by 10 runs, a win which had streaks of determination written all over.

Sehwag dished out an impressive all round performance, picking up 3 wickets to go with his 59 runs. He had the dangerous Jacques Kallis dismissed in the last over in which 21 runs were needed, to send Ganguly’s troops into the summit clash as South Africa choked once again.