The epic 193-run stand between Sachin and Ganguly (Source: @SGanguly99/x.com)
Across the formats, over the years, India and South Africa delivered unreal cricket drama whenever they met on the big stage, whether it's on bilateral series or in ICC tournaments. South Africa’s precision and aggression often clash spectacularly with India’s flair and resilience, making every encounter a must-watch spectacle.
Personal milestones are often celebrated in the cricket world, but the historic duels between these two cricket giants, some of the thrilling partnerships, grabbed the attention. Among all the partnerships, the historic 193-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly is still a classic.
Facing the Proteas in an ODI series, India’s fiercest opening duo tore apart the opponent’s bowling lineup. As the stand is still so fresh, let’s relive the magic.
Dada and Sachin’s 193-run blitz sets Johannesburg on fire
Since the earliest days of Indian cricket, stars from across the nation stunned the world. Going ahead of their personal glories, their contribution to the country became history as some of the partnerships are written with the ink of glory. Even today, the iconic duo of Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar remains one of the rarest pairs in world cricket.
The world knows about their excellence, but South Africa faced the heat of their fiery partnership in 2001. Playing the first ODI match in Johannesburg, India came to bat first, and the Ganguly-Tendulkar duo opened the innings, and the world saw a new story of domination. When Ganguly’s fury met Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliance, the Proteas left scratching their heads.
Smashing the ball since the beginning, they kept the opening bowlers on their toes. In just 68 deliveries, they completed a 50-run partnership and soon turned it into a courageous 100-run stand. In between, Ganguly smashed a half-century, and Master Blaster kept anchoring the innings.
As the openers were smashing almost every delivery beyond the ground, the Proteas lived in their worst nightmare while awake. The unstoppable openers carved out centuries of their own, sending India soaring and putting the home side under relentless pressure.
With domination, they successfully surpassed the 150-run opening partnership and eyed a double-century partnership. But just as the magic was peaking, Justin Kemp struck, dismissing Ganguly for 127 and ending the legendary partnership at 193.
Even in defeat, this stand lights up the match
When effort meets brilliance, history is made. India lived that truth. Despite putting a strong total of 279 runs, the Men in Blue faced hard luck. Coming to chase down the total, Gary Kirsten singlehandedly troubled India’s bowling unit with his brilliance. Starting with a 114-run opening partnership with Herschelle Gibbs, Kirsten kept dominating the visitors.
With a sensational hundred and an unbeaten knock of 133 runs in 155 balls, South Africa chased down the total with 10 balls to spare and won the match by six wickets. Amid the Proteas’ triumph, even the legendary Ganguly-Tendulkar partnership was overshadowed.
Even after the match didn’t go in India’s way, but challenging on the South African soil, the men in Blue shone with sheer courage. Years rolled on, chapters changed, players came and went, but that legendary stand still rises above time, shining brilliantly even in defeat.
