When History Strikes Back: Today, 28-Year-Old Test Match Haunts Fans Again!
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When West Indies bowled out after 120 runs lead in their 2nd innings, a 28-year-old Test match resurfaces, sparking nostalgia and debate among cricket fans today.
Today, Indian cricket fans recalled a 28-year-old match when West Indies were bowled out after a 120 run lead in the second innings. On March 27, 1997, during the third Test match at Kensington Oval, Barbados, Team India needed just 120 runs to win in the fourth innings, but were bowled out for only 81 runs, losing the match by 38 runs.
Flashback to 1997: India’s Painful Collapse Chasing 120 in Barbados:
In that match, West Indies were bowled out for 298 runs in their first innings, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul scoring the highest 137 runs. In response, Team India scored 319 runs in their first innings, with Tendulkar scoring 92 and Rahul Dravid contributing 78. In their second innings, West Indies were bowled out for only 140 runs due to lethal bowling by Indian pacers, setting India a modest target of just 120 runs to win the match.
However, the West Indies pace bowlers were eager for revenge and bowled out the Indian team for just 81 runs, thereby winning the match by 38 runs. In India's second innings, VVS Laxman was the top scorer with only 19 runs, while no other batsman managed to score in double digits. India got 15 runs as extras. In West Indies’ second innings, their last-wicket partnership added a crucial 37 runs.
Even though 28 years have passed, cricket fans still haven't forgotten that match. Had India won that match, it would have marked a historic overseas Test series win. That West Indies tour had a total of 5 Test matches, 4 of which ended in draws, and India lost just one, missing out on the series victory. The captain of Team India during that tour was legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
Today, as West Indies were once again bowled out after a 120-run lead in their second innings in New Delhi, memories of that 28-year-old match came flooding back for cricket fans.
Day 4 Recap: KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan Keep India on Track for Victory:
This time, chasing 121 runs in the fourth innings, India lost their first wicket for just 13 runs. But soon after, KL Rahul and Sai Sudharsan stabilized the innings. As of the end of Day 4, India is in a strong position, needing just 58 more runs to win on the final day with 9 wickets still in hand. KL Rahul is unbeaten on 25 and Sai Sudharsan on 30.
In this second and final Test between India and West Indies, the Caribbean side has batted better compared to the first Test. After follow-on, West Indies showed resilience in their second innings and forced India to bat again. Had their lower middle-order contributed a bit more, the situation might have been different.
Cricket is a game of uncertainties. Just one day left in the match, West Indies will be hoping for a repeat of the outcome from 28 years ago and draw the series. Team India will be looking to finish the match quickly and win the series by 2-0.
Although the pitch still seemed good for batting today, West Indies' second-innings performance must have given team India some food for thought.
In November, South Africa will tour India for a Test series. Before that, India will need to work on its flaws and weaknesses. Prior to the South Africa series, India will tour Australia for 3 One Day Internationals and 5 T20 matches. The first ODI between India and Australia is scheduled for October 19.
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