One of the finest skippers ever to lead the Indian cricket team, Mohammed Azharuddin breached the 6000-run mark in ODIs on this day (September 17) in 1996. Playing against Pakistan in Toronto, Azharuddin achieved this sensational feat.
Azharuddin capped off his spectacular ODI career having scored 9378 runs at an average of 36.92 in 334 matches. His strike rate has been 74.02 in the 50-over format. Azharuddin went on to score seven centuries and 58 half-centuries in ODI cricket. He also enjoyed an impressive average of 45.03 in Tests.
Azharuddin represented India in 99 Tests and scored 6215 runs along with 22 tons and 21 half centuries.
Let’s take a look at the match where Mohammed Azharuddin crossed the 6000-run mark in ODI cricket.
The then Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram won the toss and decided to bowl first. India did not have a positive start to their innings having lost their captain Sachin Tendulkar early on in the game.
Tendulkar was dismissed for 20. It was Azhar Mahmood who picked up the precious wicket of Tendulkar.
India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia was next to depart having scored 18 runs off 35 balls. It was Mongia’s dismissal that resulted in Mohammed Azharuddin’s arrival to the crease. Azharuddin came down to bat at a time when India were reeling at 44/2.
Mohammed Azharuddin and Rahul Dravid stitched a solid partnership to avert the early scare. The spectacular partnership was broken by Mushtaq Ahmed who dismissed Azharuddin for 88. Azharuddin’s brilliant 99-ball innings comprised nine boundaries. Dravid later returned to the dressing room having produced a fine knock of 90.
Ajay Jadeja chipped in with a valuable knock of 21 (not out) off 17 balls. Thanks to Mohammad Azharuddin and Rahul Dravid’s stupendous batting, India managed to reach a total of 264 at the loss of six wickets in 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Azhar Mahmood, Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq claimed two wickets each in that game against India.
Pakistan did not enjoy a smooth start to the run chase with their opening batter Aamer Sohail being dismissed for a duck. It was Saeed Anwar and Saleem Malik who exhibited brilliant batting to guide Pakistan to a win. Pakistan clinched a two-wicket victory with one ball to spare.
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