NatWest Trophy 2002 Final – India’s Classic Moment of Triumph at Lord’s
The NatWest Trophy Final of 2002 is one of the most enduring images of Indian cricket. It was played at Lord’s on the 13th of July in 2002. The match witnessed India plot a dramatic turnaround against England, leaving a memory indelibly etched in cricket enthusiasts around the world.
⚡ The Build-Up to the NatWest Trophy Final
NatWest Series 2002 was a triangular competition between India, England, and Sri Lanka. Following steady performances, India and England qualified for the NatWest Trophy 2002 Final.
With the Lord’s ground packed to capacity and India looking to improve their dismal final record, hopes were high. The fans wanted the India vs England NatWest Trophy Final to provide — and it did so in a thrilling manner.
England’s Dominance in the First Innings
Batting first, England amassed a whopping 325/5 in 50 overs.
Marcus Trescothick (109) and Nasser Hussain (115) dominated with masterful centuries.
It was one of the highest ODI final scores at that time, putting India under heavy pressure.
The NatWest Trophy 2002 final was seemingly England’s to lose after the first innings.
India’s Rocky Chase and Remarkable Turnaround
India started on a good note with Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly contributing a fast opening partnership. But once they were dismissed, there was a collapse of the middle-order to leave India tottering at 146/5.
It was then that Yuvraj Singh (69) and Mohammad Kaif (87)* wrote a miraculous partnership. Their aggressive running between wickets and bold batting turned the match upside down.
With three balls remaining, Kaif took India home in one of the most iconic run chases in ODI history.
The Unforgettable Celebration
The triumph was sealed with a photo that went down in cricketing history: Sourav Ganguly waving his jersey from the Lord’s balcony.
This untamed celebration was representative of India’s new-found freedom and fearless nature on the international stage.
Impact and Legacy of the NatWest Trophy 2002 Final
Turning Point for Indian Cricket – The victory instilled confidence in India that they were capable of chasing massive totals in pressure conditions.
Emergence of Yuvraj & Kaif – Both the young guns sealed their spot in the side with their match-winning performances.
Classic ODI Final – The NatWest 2002 Final has been touted as one of the all-time ODI finals, remembered for grit, determination, and drama.
✅ Conclusion
The NatWest Trophy 2002 Final was not a cricket game — it was a turning point for Indian cricket. The chase, the thrill, and Ganguly’s walk of glory at Lord’s make the chapter one of the most cherished in India’s sporting history.
❓ NatWest Trophy 2002 Final FAQs
Q1: When did the NatWest Trophy 2002 Final take place?
It took place on July 13, 2002, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.
Q2: Who did India defeat in the NatWest Trophy 2002 Final?
India defeated England by chasing 326 with 3 balls to spare.
Q3: Who were the NatWest Trophy Final heroes?
Heroes were Mohammad Kaif (87)* and Yuvraj Singh (69), whose match-winning innings were instrumental in India’s victory.
Q4: Why is the NatWest 2002 Final notorious?
It is notorious for India’s return, the stunning Yuvraj & Kaif partnership, and Sourav Ganguly’s jersey party at the Lord’s balcony.
Q5: England’s score in the NatWest Trophy Final was?
England made 325/5 in 50 overs with Trescothick and Hussain centuries.
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