Shubman Gill_Shreyas Iyer - (Source: AFP)
India are currently preparing for a busy September. The Men in Blue are set to play a T20I series against Afghanistan, host the West Indies and also travel to Japan for the Asian Games. Amid the packed schedule, there is a possibility that India might have to play two different matches on the same day.
The Men in Blue will host West Indies for a three-match ODI series and five T20Is. October 3 is a special date because it could be the day when India fields two different teams.
India To Field Two Different Teams On October 3
As mentioned above, India will host West Indies, and the two teams will lock horns for the 3rd ODI on October 3. On the same day, the Asian Games committee have scheduled the cricket final medal event.
The Shreyas Iyer-led side are currently placed directly into the quarter-finals. If everything goes as per plan and India head into the final, then two different teams will play on the same day, which is October 3.
Interestingly, it will only be the 2nd time in history that India will play two matches on the same day. Meanwhile, this article will shed light on the last time India played two different matches on the same day.
India Did It Before On September 12, 1998
India have done it just once, and it was 28 years ago. On September 12, 1998, India played two different matches on the same day. One team, led by Ajay Jadeja, played in the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, while another team, led by Mohammad Azharuddin, played in the Sahara Cup in Canada.
Ajay Jadeja-led India Featured in Commanwealth Games
Talking about the Commonwealth squad, the team also featured Sachin Tendulkar. On September 12, 1998, India faced Canada and handed them a thrashing defeat by 112 runs. It was a low-scoring affair in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where India, batting first, tumbled for just 157 runs.
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The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman struggled in Malaysia, but Amay Khurasiya’s 83-run total proved to be the difference. In reply, Canada were bowled out for just 45 runs.
Mohammed Azharuddin-led India Played Pakistan In Sahara Cup
On the other hand, India and Pakistan played a five-ODI Sahara Cup series in September 1998. The first ODI was played on September 12, 1998.
Interestingly, it was also a low-scoring affair, which was won by India. Talking about that match, Mohammad Azharuddin was the captain. Pakistan, batting first, tumbled for just 189 runs on the board.
Sourav Ganguly and Javagal Srinath were the heroes with the ball as they took three-wickets each. In reply, India chased down the target comfortably with six wickets in hand and 6 overs remaining.
The Prince of Kolkata was impressive with the bat and slammed an unbeaten 54. Sourav Ganguly eventually won the player of the match award as well for his performance.
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