NEW DELHI: The 2000 ICC KnockOut final between India and New Zealand, held at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Nairobi, remains one of the most memorable matches in cricket history. New Zealand triumphed by four wickets, chasing down India’s target of 265 with just two balls to spare.
India posted a competitive total of 264/6 in 50 overs. Captain Sourav Ganguly led from the front with a magnificent 117 off 130 balls, including 9 fours and 4 sixes.
Sachin Tendulkar contributed a solid 69 off 83 balls, forming a 141-run opening partnership with Ganguly. However, the middle order faltered, with Yuvraj Singh scoring 18 and Robin Singh adding 13. New Zealand’s Scott Styris (2/53) and Nathan Astle (1/46) were the standout bowlers.
Chasing 265, New Zealand faced early setbacks, with Venkatesh Prasad (3/27) and Anil Kumble (2/55) striking crucial blows. However, Chris Cairns played a heroic knock, scoring an unbeaten 102 off 113 balls, supported by Chris Harris (46 off 72). Their 122-run partnership for the sixth wicket sealed the victory for New Zealand.
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A 21-year-old Zaheer Khan and an 18-year-old Yuvraj Singh made their India debut on October 3, 2000, during the ICC Knockout Trophy. Captain Sourav Ganguly welcomed the two youngsters, who would go down as two of the greatest players the nation has ever produced.
Zaheer Khan’s fiery spells throughout the tournament were instrumental in India’s journey to the final. Yuvraj Singh, in his debut tournament, had already announced his arrival with a match-winning 84 against Australia in the quarterfinals.
This time in 2025, the stakes are higher as India and New Zealand clash once againโwill India seize the opportunity to knock New Zealand out and avenge their 2000 defeat, or will the Kiwis repeat history and deny India the glory once more? Only time will tell!
