The Kargil war was in a mid-way junction when Team India was about to take on Pakistan cricket team in a must-win game of the super six. Before stepping into this match India had an invincible record vs Pakistan in world cups of 1992 and 1996. However this time Team India was tentative due to Pakistan's phenomenal form in WC 99 and a recent drubbing by arch-rival in the Sharjah cup.
Probably the Indian army soldiers were also aware of the fact, Still they believed team India will pull this off. "Pitch par bhi jeetenge, aur Sarhad par Bhi" (We will win on Pitch as well as on the peak) this was the sentiment before the start of high octane match among the jawans.
On 8th June 1999, Soldiers guarding the post kept checking the scores via radio. Team India had a cautious start with Sachin and Ramesh on the crease. The ghost of the new ball was away still both the openers were out before India could touch 100. Rahul Dravid (61) and Skipper Mohd Azharuddin (59) final over aggression took India's total to 227 runs.
Jawans were still hopeful for the victory as it was a green-top wicket. However, the two biggest threat between India and victory was Saeed Anwar and Inzamam Ul Haq. But Pakistani batsmen completely failed to counter the swing of Srinath and Prasad and were reduced to 65-4. It was Inzamam ul Haq who was fighting the lone battle and after his wicket, the Indian team completed the formality of win. Pak was bowled out for 180 in 46th over.
The victory delighted Indian soldiers as Team India remained undefeated in the WC encounter against Pak. In a recent interview of top-notch electronic media Sports Journalist, It came to the fore that this victory gave the jawans an additional push to go hard against the enemies. (WD)
