Nagpur’s Sunny side

For close to two decades, Sunil Gavaskar went about setting, rewriting all kinds of records in Test cricket. But, when it came to the shorter version of the game, the little master had one feat unattained – scoring a one-day international century.

Gavaskar had figured in 105 one-day internationals but couldn’t contrive one three-figure score. The Vidharbha Cricket Association (VCA) ground at Nagpur was treated to something special from Gavaskar.

The diminutive right-hander, who was unwell prior to the match, walked out to open the innings with a determined purpose of overhauling New Zealand’s target of 222 in 42.2 overs not just to top their group but also avoid meeting arch-rivals Pakistan in the semifinals, as hosts’ semis slot was already sealed going into the match.

All plans appeared on track as Gavaskar unleashed a blistering attack on the New Zealand opening bowlers Danny Morrison and Ewen Chattfield. He seemed to take liking for the usually frugal Ewen Chattfield, tonking him for two successive sixes and successive fours in one over to completely deflate him.

The beauty of that opening stand was that Gavaskar matched his more aggressive partner, Srikkanth stroke-for-stroke. His blitz meant that India were well on their way to win the match off 42.2 overs as none of the Kiwi bowlers were able to put a check on the scoring spree. The rollicking century stand was posted in the 14^th over and was promising more when Gavaskar lost Srikkanth at the score on 136.

The fall of Srikkanth had little impact on the belligerence of Gavaskar who continued to motor along with Mohammed Azharuddin for company. He arrived at his maiden one-day international off 85 balls much to the delight of the vociferous Nagpur crowd, and soon closed out the game with more than ten overs to spare.

His unbeaten 103 came off 88 balls and was packed with ten fours and three sixes.

Gavaskar’s much-cherished hundred may have come towards the evening of his cricketing career, but not one he would complain about - considering the match situation India was in – the task of overhaul New Zealand’s target in 42.2 overs and also avoid meeting Pakistan.