In the annals of One Day International (ODI) cricket, certain innings and partnerships stand as towering monuments to skill, resilience, and teamwork. Among these, the unforgettable second ODI between India and New Zealand in Hyderabad on November 8, 1999, is etched in the memory of cricket fans worldwide. This match witnessed a batting masterclass by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, who together crafted a record-breaking partnership that defined an era.
The stage was set at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, where a packed crowd buzzed with anticipation. India, having lost the first match in Rajkot, were under pressure to bounce back in the five-match series. After winning the toss and electing to bat, India suffered an early setback when Sourav Ganguly was run out for just 4 runs. This brought Rahul Dravid to the crease, joining Sachin Tendulkar, and what followed was pure batting brilliance.
Tendulkar, the maestro, was in sublime form, dispatching the New Zealand bowlers to all parts of the ground. His innings was a blend of elegant strokeplay and calculated aggression, as he peppered his innings with 20 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. On the other end, Rahul Dravid, known as "The Wall" for his solid technique and unwavering concentration, provided the perfect foil. Dravid's innings was characterized by his trademark precision and placement, accumulating runs with 15 fours and 2 sixes.
Together, Tendulkar and Dravid constructed a monumental 331-run partnership for the second wicket. This stand not only broke the then-record for the highest partnership in ODIs but also pulverized the New Zealand bowling attack. The duo ran hard between the wickets, converting singles into doubles and putting immense pressure on the fielders. The partnership came in 46.2 overs.
Tendulkar remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 186 off 150 balls, his highest score in ODI cricket until he achieved his double century in 2010. Dravid was eventually dismissed for a well-made 153 off 153 balls. India reached a massive total of 376/2 in their allotted 50 overs.
In response, New Zealand crumbled under the pressure of the imposing score and the relentless Indian attack. They were eventually bowled out for 202 in 33.1 overs, handing India a resounding 174-run victory. Sachin Tendulkar was named the Man of the Match for his spectacular innings.
The Tendulkar-Dravid partnership of 331 remained the highest in ODIs for several years, until it was surpassed by Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels in the 2015 World Cup. However, the significance of their record-breaking stand extends beyond mere statistics. It was a testament to the synergy between two of India's greatest batsmen, showcasing their ability to complement each other's strengths and conquer any opposition. This remarkable ODI is a shining example of the glorious history of India-New Zealand encounters. Sachin Tendulkar scored 1750 runs in 42 matches against New Zealand in his career.
