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Stones Thrown, Masterclass Followed: When Ganguly’s 89 Stunned Pakistan In 1997

Poulomi Chakraborty

Sourav Ganguly's Brave 89 Against Pakistan (Source: @Shebas_10dulkar/x.com)Sourav Ganguly's Brave 89 Against Pakistan (Source: @Shebas_10dulkar/x.com)

Encounters and rivalries are only enjoyable in the field, but the moment they cross the boundary ropes, as it threatens security for both players and fans becomes a serious issue. India-Pakistan clashes have seen their share of on-field skirmishes, but the 1997 Karachi ODI took tensions to an entirely new level.

As Team India traveled for an ODI series to Pakistan, the Karachi crowd threw stones targeting Indian stars. One of them hit Sourav Ganguly, and Dada returned it with a fiery innings. Here’s the remarkable tale of courage and resilience that shone brightly on Pakistani soil.

Karachi Crowd Brings Chaos On The Field

Since the partition in 1947, when it was desired that India and Pakistan would share a good relationship being neighbors, their destiny walked oppositely as they turned into fierce competitors over time. With passing time, the two nations became fierce rivals on every front, and instead of mending ties, tensions only escalated. The ODI series of 1997 is the best example of that.

After the cross-border tension in the 1990s, Team India’s Pakistan tour was on hold as the arch-rivals used to meet at neutral venues at that time. But in 1997, Team India travelled to the neighboring nation for a three-match ODI series. The second ODI in Karachi, however, turned chaotic as the crowd’s unrest disrupted the game.

As Pakistan batted first in the game, Indian fielders were targeted in the match as the Karachi crowd threw stones at them. The match was halted three times due to the disruptions, and when the chaos reached its peak, Pakistan had no choice but to cut their innings short in the 48th over.

The Prince Of Calcutta Delivers A Knockout Jab

In his entire career, Sourav Ganguly remained a warrior, be it on the field or outside the 22 yards, the Prince of Calcutta never let disrespect touch his beloved tricolor. When a stone struck him amid the chaos in Karachi, it left a mark, but it couldn’t break his spirit. Rising above the turmoil, Ganguly nearly singlehandedly overshadowed Pakistan’s brilliance with a masterful innings.

Chasing a target of 266 runs in 47 overs, captain Sachin Tendulkar walked away scoring 21 runs, and Sourav Ganguly and Vinod Kambli’s undying spirit led India to give the sharpest reply. Dominating Pakistan’s lethal bowling attack, Ganguly scored a game-changing half-century, and his outstanding knock of 89 runs in 96 balls paved the way towards India’s 4-wicket win.

That knock didn’t just demolish Pakistan’s fort; it also eclipsed Shahid Afridi and Inzamam ul Haq’s remarkable innings. Amid the chaos and crowd’s disrespect, Ganguly showcased an unshakable spirit, setting a timeless example of courage. As long as the India-Pakistan rivalry endures, Sourav Ganguly’s iconic 89 will remain a proud chapter in India’s cricketing history.