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When Sourav Ganguly Turned Destroyer: The Rare 1997 Five-Wicket Haul vs Pakistan

Poulomi Chakraborty

Sourav Ganguly's Fifer Against Pakistan (Source: @theringsideview/x.com, @bcdeshmukh83/x.com)Sourav Ganguly's Fifer Against Pakistan (Source: @theringsideview/x.com, @bcdeshmukh83/x.com)

The India-Pakistan rivalry has always been the icing on the cake, as some of the iconic performances of the players from both nations become the cherry on top. Since its inception, this rivalry has gifted fans edge-of-the-seat thrillers, each chapter etched deeper into cricketing folklore.

In 1997, when India met Pakistan in an ODI series, Sourav Ganguly’s brilliant fifer tore through Pakistan’s batting lineup. His fiery spell dismantled Pakistan’s batting order, earning him his only ODI five-wicket haul against Pakistan. It was Dada at his dominant best, stamping authority in a rivalry that never fails to ignite.

Ganguly’s Fifer Turns Into A Nightmare For Pakistan

Sourav Ganguly will forever be remembered as one of Indian cricket’s most iconic leaders. His batting brilliance speaks for itself, but what often goes unnoticed is his role as a dependable fifth-bowling option. The Prince of Calcutta rose to the occasion and delivered bowling masterclasses in pressured situations. His famous five-wicket haul against Pakistan remains the finest reminder of his underrated bowling prowess.

In 1997, Team India was playing a thrilling ODI series in Toronto. After two early victories, Team India faced Pakistan in the third ODI. After posting 182 runs on the board, the Indian bowlers turned away the game while defending the total.

Chasing down the total, Pakistan had a comfortable start as their openers made a 52-run stand. But the momentum shifted when captain Sachin Tendulkar unveiled his secret weapon, bringing Sourav Ganguly in the second bowling change. Coming to attack, the Prince of Calcutta created magic with his medium pace on the Toronto pitch.

Ganguly marked his first blood as he sent back Saleem Malik in just 6 runs. Making another impact, he sent Hasan Raza on an eight-ball duck. Those quick dismissals put the Men in Green under pressure. After sending back Ijaz Ahmed and Moin Khan, Ganguly registered his thrilling four-wicket haul.

But destiny has much more to give to India. As Aaqib Javed tried to push Pakistan in the crucial moment, Ganguly made his last mark, and it proved to be a big setback for the opponent. Cleaning him up for 11, Dada sealed his maiden and only ODI five-wicket haul, delivering a crushing blow to Pakistan and etching his name in the rivalry’s history with a spell to remember.

In his 10-over spell, Dada conceded only 16 runs and secured the brilliant five-wicket haul. His effort epitomized India’s bowling discipline, which broke Pakistan’s rhythm despite their strong start. Riding on that dominance, India clinched a 34-run win and marched to a commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series.