Shoaib Akhtar, widely known as the Rawalpindi Express, had a stellar international cricket career. Many people feared Akhtar because of his blistering speed, but the former Pakistani pacer was also famous for his disputes and on-field theatrics.
Shoaib wanted to get under the opponents’ skin as much as he could and did everything he could to keep them distracted. One such incident happened during the 3rd Match of the Test series between the arch-rivals in 2007.
In an attempt to distract Ganguly, the former speedster lifted both his hands in the air during the run-up. This act of Shoaib Akhtar didn’t go well with the ‘Prince of Kolkata’ and he walked away immediately, refusing to play the ball.
Despite Shoaib Akhtar’s attempts, Ganguly and Yuvraj provided stability to the Indian innings as they added 300 runs for the 5th wicket and rescued India from a bad start. Ganguly played one of the best knocks of his life as he smashed 239 runs and Yuvraj made 169 runs off just 203 deliveries.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw when Pakistan openers added 44 runs for the first wicket chasing 374 in 47 overs in the last innings. But a 5-wicket haul from Anil Kumble and 2 crucial wickets from Yuvraj Singh gave Pakistan a few anxious moments before bad light saved them. The playing conditions didn’t allow the use of floodlights and the match was called off with 11 overs still left to bowl.
India won the series 1-0 and came very close to making it 2-0. In this test match, in a single innings, 3 Indian batsmen got their career-best scores: Ganguly 239, Yuvraj Singh 169, and Irfan Pathan 102, which is a very rare occurrence.
Virat Kohli Can go to Oxford Street Without Shirt – Sourav Ganguly
It was ‘Shandaar Shukravar’ on the sets of KBC as Sourav Ganguly and ex-opener Virender Sehwag graced the show with their presence on Friday. Ganguly was reminded of that animated moment during the show when he removed his shirt in the Lord’s balcony.
Dada aur Viru ne bataaye Cricket se jude apne kayi romanchak kisse. Dekhiye unn mazedaar palon ko #KaunBanegaCrorepati ke Shaandaar Shukravaar episode mein, aaj raat 9 baje, sirf Sony par.#SawaalJoBhiHoJawaabAapHiHo #ShaandaarShukravaar @SGanguly99 @virendersehwag @SrBachchan pic.twitter.com/RVdaHw8zFL
— sonytv (@SonyTV) September 3, 2021
Amitabh Bachchan, the show’s host, went on to congratulate the then-India captain, saying that the entire nation is proud of him and only a captain like him could have done it with that attitude. Sourav Ganguly responded by saying, “Don’t challenge Virat Kohli. He can even go to Oxford Street without a shirt.”
