India v Pakistan Flashback: When Rahul Dravid ran into Shoaib Akhtar

Rahul Dravid was known for his calm demeanor in a 16-year old glittering career. He was one of the most humble and modest cricketers to have played the game. But an India-Pakistan clash got the better of even someone like Dravid, who otherwise never reacted to any sledging from the opposition.

In the Champions Trophy of 2004, India and Pakistan lined up against each other for the first time in this tournament. The game was held at Edgbaston in Birmingham, the same venue for the 2013 and the forthcoming Sunday clash. Inzamam-Ul-Haq had won the toss and put India into bat first in seaming conditions in Birmingham.

India’s batting order boasted of a number of qualities players barring Sachin Tendulkar, who was nursing his tennis elbow injury. Pakistan had India on the mat early when they reduced their arch-rivals to 28 for 3 in the tenth over.

India’s batting order boasted of a number of qualities players barring Sachin Tendulkar, who was nursing his tennis elbow injury. Pakistan had India on the mat early when they reduced their arch-rivals to 28 for 3 in the tenth over.

Rahul Dravid, who used to keep wicket in those days, walked out to bat at No. 5 and India’s hopes were pinned on him. He started the rebuilding process by adding 45 runs for the 6th wicket with Mohammad Kaif (27). Kaif and Yuvraj departed in the 20th over to push India into the doldrums at 73 for 5. Dravid finally found an ally in Ajit Agarkar, who batted at No. 8.

During their 82-run 7th wicket stand, an unusual incident occurred in the 40th over. Inzamam had called on Shoaib Akhtar to break the 7th wicket stand. He bowled a slower ball to which Dravid went back and punched off the back foot. The Indian batsman scampered across to get two runs as the fielder sweeping at the off-side boundary picked up and threw the ball to the keeper.

While turning around for the second run, Dravid ran into Akhtar as the fast bowler stood in the way of the batsman’s running path. After completing the second run Dravid looked towards the Rawalpindi Express with glaring eyes. Shoaib gestured in a way to say that he can’t jostle against him.

Dravid immediately charged towards the fast bowler aggressively and explained to Shoaib that he hindered him on his way for the second run. Inzamam was quick to intervene and separated the duo. This was a rare occasion when Dravid lost his cool on the field.

Dravid eventually top-scored with 67 and helped India get to 200, a fighting total in those times. Irfan Pathan rocked the Pakistan top order to reduce them to 27 for 3 in the 11th over. India, at that point, looked favorites to win the pendulum swinging game.

Inzamam and Yousuf added 75 runs for the 4th wicket to get Pakistan back into the game. Yousuf went on to anchor the chase to remain unbeaten on 81. The finishing punch came from Shahid Afridi, who played a good hand late down the innings. His 12-ball 25 titled the game towards his side which Pakistan eventually won by 3 wickets with four balls to spare.

It was one of the umpteenth riveting contests that these sides have been involved in. The emotions will be sky-high again when both teams will lock horns at Edgbaston on Sunday.

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