BCCI had hosted its celebratory Platinum Jubilee match in which Pakistan team was invited to play against India in an ODI in 2004. Besides, notable ex-players and politicians of both the countries witness the matches the iconic Eden Gardens. Inzamam-ul-Haq was the then captain and former captain and current Pakistan PM Imran Khan, who was also available in the stadium, had a great impact on the team.
Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed that there was a lot of pressure on the team because of the presence of Imran Khan in the dressing room. India had chosen to bat first after winning the toss and they set up a tally of 293 on the board for Pakistan to chase. Yuvraj Singh scored an incredible knock of 78 off 62 which helped India to set a daunting target for visitors.
- Imran Khan. Image Credit: PTI.
Inzamam-ul-Haq on sending messages.
The former Pakistan captain revealed on his YouTube Channel that the pressure they faced in the game because it was just single match (no series) and the added pressure of Imran Khan watching from their dressing room.
“It was just only one match so the pressure was much more. The second big pressure was of Imran Khan, who was watching the match from our dressing room. I have played under Imran bhai,” Inzamam told.
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Imran Khan’s Strategy Was Spot On:
Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed a specific strategy laid by Imran Khan which proved to be a ‘match-winning’. He sent them a message during their chase to send injured Salman Butt off the field and return after treatment.
“He had kind of taken over captaincy. Salman Butt was batting with me. He suffered cramps. So a teammate came running in with a message. I thought I’m the captain who is sending me messages. He told me that Imran bhai has said Salman Butt is having troubles with his hamstring, tell him to retire hurt, take treatment and then go back onto the field. I sent Salman back. He came back after treatment and scored a hundred,” said Inzamam-ul-Haq.
- Photo Credit: Google
Salman Butt, who was injured and on Imran’s Khan advice went for treatment and returned to the field to score a century and this move proved to be a match-winner for Pakistan.
Pakistan ended up winning the match comfortably by six wickets and an over to spare. Shoaib Malik scored 61 off 55 balls and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq 75 off 75. The star of the match was Salman Butt who scored an unbeaten 108 off 130 balls.