'That Forgotten Match': When Azhar hit a 62-ball hundred in an ODI vs NZ 31 years back

"Out of my 30 International hundreds, I can hardly remember 10-12 but whirlwind kck against New Zealand is still fresh in my mind even after 31 years," Mohammed Azharuddin said about day when "everything clicked for him". It was in December 1988 when Azhar blasted a more than decent New Zealand attack for a 62-ball-100, n fastest hundred in 50 over cricket. PTI caught up with Azharuddin to talk about a game that was significant in India's ODI history but is t much talked about or feted. foot of that game is t available even though match was aired live on Doordarshan. 

'That Forgotten Match'

During India's chase, transmission link was lost and Azhar's stellar kck, a first of its kind during those days could t be watched on TV by fans. "It was at Moti Bagh Palace ground. A lovely open ground where re would be shamianas for spectators. I think I had hit three or four sixes (three), two of which landed outside ground and one hit tree. That day, it seemed I could do wrong and I didn't realise that I had completed hundred in 60 odd balls," Azhar recollected. Indian bowlers gave away too many runs in that game in absence of premier bowler Kapil Dev as Sanjeev Sharma was hit for 74 in 10 overs while Rashid Patel (58 in 10 overs) and Chetan Sharma (0/54 in 10 overs) were also expensive in terms of ecomy rate during those days.

"Chasing 279 was like 340 in se days. best part was I batted at number six in that game. I don't remember w but I came in when eir Dilip bhai (Vengsarkar) or Sanjay got out. But Ajay (Sharma) gave me good support as we had 100 plus stand in quick time. 

"I remember I got stuck into one of ir two off-spinners (Chris Kuggeliejn, or one was John Bracewell). Hit him for some massive sixes. I also hit some good boundaries against Ewen Chatfield and Sneeden. I think (Richard) Hadlee didn't play that game," 57-year-old recollected.

"I have had some great ODI performances but yes, this one will be among best if t best. You have to check record books but this was one of our highest chases if t highest run chase back n. I am t sure but it must be somewhere close," Azhar said.

Im credits: Twitter