Flashback: When rain played spoil-sport in India winning the CT in 2002

Sourav Ganguly and Sanath Jayasuriya might have been satisfied at the end of the day each having one hand on the Champions Trophy, but they’d curse the rain gods to deny them its entirety. As both posed for commemorative photographs, their smiles thinly veiled a sense of disappointment. Torrential rains were the reason why the richest purse in the history of cricket back then was being split between India and Sri Lanka, the two finalists of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy.

The most bizarre element of this unfinished game of cricket remains its two attempts towards a result. They say lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same place, but those hapless spectators who optimistically came back on the reserve day in hope of a result will affirm otherwise. A ‘déjà vu’ loomed over the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as both teams once again took to the field only to surrender to yet another downpour. Perhaps the tournament didn’t deserve one single winner the heavens might have thought.

The first game washed out

Let’s rewind the clock a day before the trophy was shared while people scampered for cover under umbrellas and raincoats. Two of Asia’s giants met to battle it out for the Champions Trophy. Rain quashed hopes of what could have been a fabulous final on September 29, 2002. The hosts put up 244 in 50 overs. India responded with 14-0 when rain interrupted play. With no signs of the showers relenting, the officials decided to call it a day. Luckily for both teams, the contest wasn’t over as the tournament organizers had done well to keep a reserve day.

India and Sri Lanka were back on the next morning as familiar conditions haunted Colombo for the second consecutive day. Events repeated themselves, right down to the toss. Sri Lanka opted to bat first on an even slower pitch than the previous day.

Zaheer struck for India

Early in the afternoon, India meant business right away as Sanath Jayasuriya was undone by the Zak Attack. India’s spearhead paceman got rid of the dangerous left-hander, who finally remembered what it’s like to fail after a string of sizable contributions with the bat. Zaheer Khan could have had the dependable Kumar Sangakkara in the same over, had Dinesh Mongia latched onto a catch at slip. Mongia though had redeemed himself to a certain extent by snapping Marvan Atapattu. Ajit Agarkar’s outswinger had done the trick and Sri Lanka were reduced to 24 for 2.

Although Aravinda de Silva had already called it quits from cricket, he came back in search of the perfect swan song. De Silva’s start was indeed exhilarating, as he smashed 5 boundaries off an Agarkar over. However, his flamboyant stay at the crease was short-lived as the right-hander perished to an attempted slog sweep off Anil Kumble. In walked Mahela Jayawardene, who took over the reins to construct an almost match-saving innings.

Mahela and Arnold undid the damage

At 71-4, the Sri Lankan fans would have been a tad bit worried about their team’s ability to resurrect. Sangakkara’s departure brought in Russell Arnold, who, in tandem with Jayawardene, began to do the much-needed repair work. The duo put on a crafty 118-run partnership to see Sri Lanka partly out of trouble.The Lankan tail couldn’t wag much, as India restricted the hosts to a modest 222, a score which looked quite far-fetched when Sangakkara was walking back to the hut.

The Lankan tail couldn’t wag much, as India restricted the hosts to a modest 222, a score which looked quite far-fetched when Sangakkara was walking back to the hut.

Rain Gods had the final word

8 overs into the chase, the rain gods decided to play spoilsport for the second time. Distant thunderclaps were accompanied by flashes of lightning. The monsoon downpour had the final say, leaving India stranded at 38-1. Unfortunately for both teams, the match – technically speaking it was two matches – was remembered for all the wrong reasons. India and Sri Lanka went on to share the trophy. All said and done, India could now brag about having at least one-half of the silverware in their closet.

On both days, India were in the driving seat and would have fancied their chances of chasing down the modest totals. All said and done, India could now brag about having at least one-half of the silverware in their closet.