GWALIOR, (PTI): Opener Nayjou Sidhu’s unbeaten 134 enabled India to record a narrow victory over England in the fifth one day international here March 4.
With this win, the home team has reduced the margin to 23 and given itself a chance to Jevel the Series in the last one dyer Friday.
Earlier, England’s opener Robin Smith with a sterling knock of 129 runs, laid the foundation for the English team, which finished its Innings at 256 (off 50 overs) with the last man being bowled out on the last ball.
In reply, India scored 257 for seven with two overs to spare in the match intended as a benefit match for stylish cricketer GR. Viswanath.
It was Sidhu along with his captain Mohd Azharuddin (74) who paved the way for India’s Victory in a nail-biting finish. The duo pat on 175 off just 170 balls as India’s score read 170 for two at the end of 30 years. But’ as in the past, the middle order caved in with five wickets falling for a mere 26 runs.
Anil Kumble, however, came to India’s rescue and foiled any possibility or further collapse with his confident unbeaten knock of 19, Sidhu, who was adjudged the) man of the match for the second time in the series, put on 52 runs for the unbroken eighth wicket Partnership which saw the team romp home victorious.
This was also Sidhu’s third ton in one day internationals, the first two being 108 against Pakistan at Sharjah in 1989 and 104 not out against Bangladesh in the Asia cup at Chandigarh in 1990.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 12, 1993
