[VIDEO] On This Day: May 21, 1997 - Saeed Anwar scores 194 vs India at Chennai

[Khabri420]

This innings by Saeed Anwar was a special one on many accounts. For one, he set the new World Record for the highest individual score in an ODI, bettering Viv Richard's score of 189 vs England in 1984. Most importantly, Saeed Anwar's innings helped Pakistan to a formidable total of 327 and ensured a comfortable victory over arch-rivals India by 35 runs - in India that is.

To elaborate on Saeed Anwar's innings, it was very composed with controlled aggression and calculated risks. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of this innings were the three consecutive sixes that he hit off Kumble's bowling. For the majority of his innings, Saeed Anwar batted with a runner (Shahid Afridi) as he began cramping up early on. He may well have reached a double hundred had he not top-edged the ball to fine leg. He was dismissed for 194 off 146 balls which included 22 fours and 5 sixes

As a tired Saeed Anwar walked off the field, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that he played a gem of an innings. He was praised by Sachin Tendulkar and Bishen Singh Bedi among others for his performance.

Video Highlight of the Innings:

[utube]RZVTae9slBs[/utube]​

Scorecard: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/66113.html

 

[cricketworm]

Only thing I remember from this inning is the way Anwar got out. It was a skier and Ganguli took it by changing his position at the last moment hurting back of his head.

 

[cricketworm]

This had kind of Ironic and nostalgic moment, it was Sachin who prevented him scoring first ever 200 just to achieve that after a decade or so. It was like Sachin knew that he would be reaching 200 at some point and be the first batsman to do so, so he had to prevent Anwar for doing so. LOL scripted!

 

[Madplayer]

He did it Without these batting friendly rules and the fat bats when people weren't used to such hitting. An amazing innings.

 

[Abhilash]

With a runner!!

 

[Sandeep]

Good innings, but he used a runner, which Sachin didn't! Also there's a difference between facing Srinath, Ganguly and facing Steyn, Morkel. #Just saying

 

[Scrolln]

Legendary innings.

Saeed Anwar was such a treat to watch in full flow!

 

[sunnykhan]

The most delightful player of Pakistan. He was a stunner!!

 

[BaaliSoda]

I was there in MAC watching it live. In fact, 1st six from Anwar reached very near to our stands.

It was a typical super hot summer day in Chennai, was having difficulty in coming out of the stadium in the end (due to improper crowd management by the authorities).

 

[Madplayer]

Good innings, but he used a runner, which Sachin didn't! Also there's a difference between facing Srinath, Ganguly and facing Steyn, Morkel. #Just saying

Why was it neccessary to bring tendulkar in this?

 

[Amjid Javed]

I remember skipping college to stay at home and watch this game, what an Inns by a true batting genius!

 

[Sakss]

The Legend made the highest score in ODIs which remained a record for years.... What a player

 

[junaid.ahmed]

With a runner!!

Good innings, but he used a runner, which Sachin didn't! Also there's a difference between facing Srinath, Ganguly and facing Steyn, Morkel. #Just saying

pain is still there............ rassi jalgae bull nahi guay

 

[junaid.ahmed]

Good innings, but he used a runner, which Sachin didn't! Also there's a difference between facing Srinath, Ganguly and facing Steyn, Morkel. #Just saying

Why was it neccessary to bring tendulkar in this?

sorry it is by default.........

 

[Adil_94]

Good innings, but he used a runner, which Sachin didn't! Also there's a difference between facing Srinath, Ganguly and facing Steyn, Morkel. #Just saying

Its just commemorating a Great Innings by Anwar in an era before PPs and big bats and small boundaries but insecure Sachinistas have to try to derail the thread no one said it was better than Sachins 200. Sachin Aap ka Bhagwan hai Humara nahin :Akhtar

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

 

[Mamoon]

Fantastic innings. If I recall correctly, he had fever or something as well.

 

[junaid.ahmed]

Good innings, but he used a runner, which Sachin didn't! Also there's a difference between facing Srinath, Ganguly and facing Steyn, Morkel. #Just saying

if your land is unable to produce great fast bowlers, its also our mistake

 

[lilFlip]

lol@indian ppers can't even appreciate a legendary innings!!

 

[Mamoon]

I think higher the score doesn't mean the better the innings.

Gibbs' 175 vs Australia in 2006 is comfortably the greatest ODI innings I've ever seen and 8 years and 3 double hundreds later, nothing has come close to it.

 

[lilFlip]

^ Ofcourse it doesn't matter anything to you. A pakistani scored it after all

 

[Mamoon]

If it mattered to me, Sehwag's 219 would have been the best ODI knock ever in my eyes.

Your naivety and insecurity is quite entertaining.

 

[junaid.ahmed]

I think higher the score doesn't mean the better the inning

s.

Gibbs' 175 vs Australia in 2006 is comfortably the greatest ODI innings I've ever seen and 8 years and 3 double hundreds later, nothing has come close to it.

if so, then Razzaqs inning is the best of all for any one who understand cricket

 

[Mamoon]

if so, then Razzaqs inning is the best of all for any one who understand cricket

Chasing 434 in an ODI, when it was the first time ever a team had scored 400 in ODIs against the best ODI team in the world in a series decider, and you score 175 of 111 deliveries in spite of losing an early wicket. Nothing can top it for me.

Razzaq's innings ranks very highly for me as well, definitely ahead of the 3 double tons.

 

[junaid.ahmed]

Chasing 434 in an ODI, when it was the first time ever a team had scored 400 in ODIs against the best ODI team in the world in a series decider, and you score 175 of 111 deliveries in spite of losing an early wicket. Nothing can top it for me.

Razzaq's innings ranks very highly for me as well, definitely ahead of the 3 double tons.

but coming at 7 playing with tailenders while chasing big target, even none of his partner entered in dbl figure. It was truly a single handed win.

 

[Pakistani_Legend]

I think higher the score doesn't mean the better the innings.

Gibbs' 175 vs Australia in 2006 is comfortably the greatest ODI innings I've ever seen and 8 years and 3 double hundreds later, nothing has come close to it.

I agree with this! I have watched it many times. The way he changed the game - he came in with the first wicket down very early, in a massive chase, and the way he turned the tables. Great innings.

 

[Mamoon]

I agree with this! I have watched it many times. The way he changed the game - he came in with the first wicket down very early, in a massive chase, and the way he turned the tables. Great innings.

Agreed. Amazing innings with some breathtaking shots.

 

[Mamoon]

but coming at 7 playing with tailenders while chasing big target, even none of his partner entered in dbl figure. It was truly a single handed win.

All that is true, but it doesn't come to close to the knock Gibbs played.

 

[junaid.ahmed]

All that is true, but it doesn't come to close to the knock Gibbs played.

everyone rely on its own evaluation parameters

to me Razzaqs inning was the best of all those mentioned above including saeeds 194

as a batsman u cant even think to take a single if sm like ajmal or zulqurnain standing at other end, least you can do is to do all.

 

[Ikball]

Only thing I remember from this inning is the way Anwar got out. It was a skier and Ganguli took it by changing his position at the last moment hurting back of his head.

Dravid took that catch.

 

[Ikball]

I still remember that innings, but after he scored 130, I prefer to repair my manji than watching match.

 

[Mamoon]

everyone rely on its own evaluation parameters

to me Razzaqs inning was the best of all those mentioned above including saeeds 194

as a batsman u cant even think to take a single if sm like ajmal or zulqurnain standing at other end, least you can do is to do all.

I respect your opinion. I suggest you do the same.

 

[junaid.ahmed]

Only thing I remember from this inning is the way Anwar got out. It was a skier and Ganguli took it by changing his position at the last moment hurting back of his head.

Dravid took that catch.

Ganguly was the catcher
Dravid played other role in that match, a centuary maker

 

[Hitman]

He played that innings when there were no 'Power Play' rules? Well what about the 15 overs fielding restriction rule? Anyway, good innings, saw the whole of it.

 

[EliteCynic]

Still remember the occassion very very well. A sublime innings by Saeed Anwar. A few things which stay in my mind
1. Anwar and Rameez had gone to 1000 lights mosque in Chennai to offer their prayers and were raving about the hospitality, the previous day.
2. Anwar decimated Kumble in one over with 3 consecutive sixes. That was sad to see.
3. those days we did not have electronic score boards, but Anwar still knew he had broken Viv richards record of 189 and raised his bat to the knowledgeable crowd.
4. Shahid Afridi scored half the runs for Anwar, but Sachin was gracious enough to allow a runner as Anwar was not feeling well.
5. Ganguly took a superb catch to dismiss anwar.
6. India chased very well actually coming as close as 292 with Dravid and Kambli scoring well. Unfortunately the score was too much to handle.
7. Rameez Raja in his post match interview had 'Anwar' in every sentence of his.
8. A million hopes died when Sachin chased a wide ball form Aaqib and got out.

What happened next
1. India were knocked out of their own independence cup (interesting that none of the Asian countries won 'their' independence cups). Pak and SL played 2 finals and Jayasuriya demolished Pakistan.
2. Saeed Anwar got a number plate called SA 194 for his car.
3. The record would stand for more than 10 years until Charles coventry of Zim would make exactly the same score.
4. Saeed Anwar enhanced his reputation of being the greatest India basher.

 

[mithun_minhas]

Still remember it.

Anwar getting a runner and hitting Anil Kumble for 3 Sixes in a row. It was his day.

Actually Anwar always used to pummel Indian Trundlers like many other Pak batsmen.

 

[Mamoon]

Still remember it.

Anwar getting a runner and hitting Anil Kumble for 3 Sixes in a row. It was his day.

Actually Anwar always used to pummel Indian Trundlers like many other Pak batsmen.

He was a true India and Sri Lanka basher ODIs. Would have been an ATG if he had something to show for against Australia and South Africa, the best ODI pace attacks of his era.

 

[mithun_minhas]

He was a true India and Sri Lanka basher ODIs. Would have been an ATG if he had something to show for against Australia and South Africa, the best ODI pace attacks of his era.

Yes, Not many players have good record against Aus and SA.

Anwar is still a great in ODI's. He has played many great knocks against India, Lanka and Kiwis.

 

[Mamoon]

Yep he is but could have been much more.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

The most talented Pakistani batsman i ever saw. I'd rate the 140 he scored against us at Dhaka and the 94 he scored in a triangular series also involving Sri Lanka higher than this though.

 

[Mamoon]

A special talent but he would get out frustratingly casually.

 

[EliteCynic]

Yep he is but could have been much more.

Remember some classy test 100's in Durban, Oval, Brisbane and Wellington. I guess his impact was much more in the sub continent, but that was for no fault of his, coz most of the games he played were ODI's and that too against India or SL. Remember Wasim branding him as the best batsman in the world in 1996.
I personally had a lot of time for him, coz he was a knowledgeable, level headed guy, and of course was the classiest batsmen around

 

[Pakistani_Legend]

A smooth operator, particularly against India and SL.

 

[Mamoon]

Remember some classy test 100's in Durban, Oval, Brisbane and Wellington. I guess his impact was much more in the sub continent, but that was for no fault of his, coz most of the games he played were ODI's and that too against India or SL. Remember Wasim branding him as the best batsman in the world in 1996.
I personally had a lot of time for him, coz he was a knowledgeable, level headed guy, and of course was the classiest batsmen around

Talking about ODIs. His premature retirement didn't help either. Should have ended up with 30 hundreds.

 

[EliteCynic]

Talking about ODIs. His premature retirement didn't help either. Should have ended up with 30 hundreds.

Agreed re ODI's. Could have been a beast in ODI's. I remember he had close to 20 hundreds in 90's and I was wondering back then that this guy could score a lot of 100's. I think the unfortunate demise of his baby played a big part in his form decline and eventual retirement.

 

[Mamoon]

Agreed re ODI's. Could have been a beast in ODI's. I remember he had close to 20 hundreds in 90's and I was wondering back then that this guy could score a lot of 100's. I think the unfortunate demise of his baby played a big part in his form decline and eventual retirement.

True. At one point in the 90's, he was going at the same rate as Tendulkar in terms of hundreds.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Talking about ODIs. His premature retirement didn't help either. Should have ended up with 30 hundreds.

What are you talking about mamoon? Anwar was done by the time of the 2003 WC. He wasn't fit enough to play international cricket and he wasn't scoring as heavily since at least 2001 I think.

 

[Mamoon]

What are you talking about mamoon? Anwar was done by the time of the 2003 WC. He wasn't fit enough to play international cricket and he wasn't scoring as heavily since at least 2001 I think.

That's why my point is that he didn't fulfil his potential. He lost the desire and hunger around 2001 and became too religious.

Ideally, he should have played on till the 2007 World Cup.

 

[EliteCynic]

True. At one point in the 90's, he was going at the same rate as Tendulkar in terms of hundreds.

True.He was in fact ahead of Sachin during 96 WC (IIIRC). His nickname was Desert Fox for his Sharjah exploits. Could score 100's at will in sharjah, back in the day.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

That's why my point is that he didn't fulfil his potential. He lost the desire and hunger around 2001 and became too religious.

Ideally, he should have played on till the 2007 World Cup.

Oh them I agree. Although I do think it was in tests that anwar didn't fulfill his potential.

 

[Realitybites]

It was treat, to watch him playing..... wonderful, stylish batsmen. We have not seen such a player in our team since long.
Truly master-blaster, only player ever I wish to see in 20-20!!!!

 

[Tusker]

True. At one point in the 90's, he was going at the same rate as Tendulkar in terms of hundreds.

thats because SRT began opening in ODI's very late ... SA had 6 100s by the time SRT got his first in late 1994. But by mid 1997 he had caught up with SA and by end of 1998 he had 21 hundreds to his name which is one more than what SA eventually ended up with in his entire career.

But what SRT achieved after SA retired in 2003 is what defines the difference between him and other top players ... SRT made about approx 6300 more runs which is another 70% of SA's career run tally .. All this while going thru a career threatening injury and not playing all odi's on offer. This is the difference between him and the rest and why he scored nearly twice as many Intl runs as any of the Pak greats from the 90s.

 

[hingorjo786]

On this date, 18 years ago, Saeed Anwar broke the record for highest ODI score

18 years gone but still feels like I saw that match yesterday. How many of u remember that match?

 

[Amjid Javed]

Masterful inns and all done without the batsmen friendly regulation and rules teams have these days, if they were in place then he would have probably scored 300 on that day!

 

[msb314]

18 years gone but still feels like I saw that match yesterday. How many of u remember that match?

Masterful inns and all done without the batsmen friendly regulation and rules teams have these days, if they were in place then he would have probably scored 300 on that day!

Wonderful innings by a great ODI batsman.

Shame the other batsman could not capitalize and we could "only" make 290 odd in that match.

Our next highest scorer in ODI's is Imran Nazir with his 160 against Zimbabwe in the 07 WC followed by YK with his 144 against Hong Kong.

Shame our batsman have only crossed 150 twice in ODI history...

 

[ramizq1]

I wonder which of these irks the opposition more...

Kumble's 10 wicket haul in an innings against Pakistan.
Or Saeed's record breaking 194 against India.

 

[anuk]

a great knock by a great player who turned into a great pious man

 

[zabalestmsm]

I still remember the barrage of sixes off Kumble.

 

[Madplayer]

I wonder which of these irks the opposition more...

Kumble's 10 wicket haul in an innings against Pakistan.
Or Saeed's record breaking 194 against India.

First answer the question How many times was saeed anwar assisted by the umpires in that match? Becausr surely the umpires were blind in kumble's case.

 

[Sandeep]

First answer the question How many times was saeed anwar assisted by the umpires in that match? Becausr surely the umpires were blind in kumble's case.

Were they? Sour grapes man...

Anwar's was a great innings! I badly wanted an Indian to break it. Who else but the Master himself!

 

[Misia]

Had the pleasure of watching this match live on tv while i was in Pakistan visiting family.. class act was Saeed Anwar !!!

 

[hingorjo786]

Were they? Sour grapes man...

Anwar's was a great innings! I badly wanted an Indian to break it. Who else but the Master himself!

Chek again kumble,s 10 wkts and see urself were all decisions correct from umpires ????? 10 wkts great achievement but their was some help frm umpires too....

 

[Statsman]

He had a runner all the time. Wouldn't have made a fifty in present day rules (not allowing him a runner).

 

[Hitman]

Here are the great bowler whom he scored that innings - Prasad, Kuruvilla, Kumble, Robin Singh, Sachin.

What a great innings against such a legendary attack

 

[Anwar_194]

Were they? Sour grapes man...

Anwar's was a great innings! I badly wanted an Indian to break it. Who else but the Master himself!

Not sure what are you smoking? Sachin's inning doesnt even come close. Making 194 against India and that also in India is a class act with no other example....Sachin made 200 in a small ground and that also with the new rules...Put that rules back in those days and Anwar would have made 300.

 

[Statsman]

Not sure what are you smoking? Sachin's inning doesnt even come close. Making 194 against India and that also in India is a class act with no other example....Sachin made 200 in a small ground and that also with the new rules...Put that rules back in those days and Anwar would have made 300.

Sachin ran every run himself.

 

[Sandeep]

Not sure what are you smoking? Sachin's inning doesnt even come close. Making 194 against India and that also in India is a class act with no other example....Sachin made 200 in a small ground and that also with the new rules...Put that rules back in those days and Anwar would have made 300.

Lolworthy post. Will bookmark it for laughs )

 

[Lurker_Ind]

Not sure what are you smoking? Sachin's inning doesnt even come close. Making 194 against India and that also in India is a class act with no other example....Sachin made 200 in a small ground and that also with the new rules...Put that rules back in those days and Anwar would have made 300.

Anwar's fitness would not let him score anything more than 120. The guy will need 3 runners and a walking stick to score 300 runs even with the modern rules. If I remember, he had a runner when he scored 50. May be I am wrong. Anwar simply could not run.

That innings was great even if it was against a mediocre Indian bowling unit barring Kumble. Anwar was in his zone and kudos to him for doing that.

 

[Scrolln]

Excellent innings. Anwar and Jayasuriya were the most feared ODI batsmen by Indians in the 90's.

 

[Mp812]

Not sure what are you smoking? Sachin's inning doesnt even come close. Making 194 against India and that also in India is a class act with no other example....Sachin made 200 in a small ground and that also with the new rules...Put that rules back in those days and Anwar would have made 300.

Without a runner...courtesy Azharuddin....would probly have collapsed exhausetd at 100 at most if not run out before

 

[Anwar_194]

Trolling Indians....lol

He beat the hell out of everyone in that game, And most of the runs were scored off of boundaries so doesnt matter if the runner was there or not.

 

[Mp812]

 

[Mp812]

He scored 22 boundaries and 5 sixes...i.e 118 out of 194 .
There fore ( ill do maths for you cos you seem weak at that subject) 76 runs in singles doubles.
Not to mention not he but afridi was running - Shahid Afridi acted as a runner for Saeed Anwar starting from 18.6 over, until the end.
Source: Espncricinfo

Whereas all others who have scored their 200+ ..ran their own runs...a big achievement in itself and most of them were against better bowling attacks. Yes his innings was good but you make it sound as if it only greatest innings in ODI history

 

[Bilal7]

Quality batsman and a quality innings, one of the best openers ever from the subcon.

 

[zabalestmsm]

My first favorite cricketer! His batting used to send chills down my spine ha ha! I was very cautious about him! I never wanted him to get bowled!

 

[Neferpitou]

Making Indians cry to this day. What a knock.

 

[Suleiman]

Wonderful innings by a great ODI batsman.

Shame the other batsman could not capitalize and we could "only" make 290 odd in that match.

Our next highest scorer in ODI's is Imran Nazir with his 160 against Zimbabwe in the 07 WC followed by YK with his 144 against Hong Kong.

Shame our batsman have only crossed 150 twice in ODI history...

Not to mention that 160 and 144 came against weak minnows. There's also the fact that Saeed Anwar is the only batsman we had who scored a 100 vs the top 8 in world cups (iirc).

Shows Anwar's significance to our batting in ODIs and how we are lagging behind other teams in terms of batting prowess today.

 

[Sidilicious]

Chek again kumble,s 10 wkts and see urself were all decisions correct from umpires ????? 10 wkts great achievement but their was some help frm umpires too....

I can take you through all of his 10 wickets, and only 1, that of Afridi was not out!

 

[dinakar]

Masterful inns and all done without the batsmen friendly regulation and rules teams have these days, if they were in place then he would have probably scored 300 on that day!

It's still played on batsmen friendly era with batsmen friendly regulations. Anwar had 16 overs of power play and a runner on his side. Anwar would not have even picked up the for match the current rules as he was carrying an injury.

Pak fans has to answer this. Is India's bowling a great unit? If not you have no right to call it as the greatest ODI innings

 

[Sidilicious]

indian fans, why are you disrespecting this innings?

Given the conditions at play, it was a great innings! If others want to disrespect Sachin's innings, thats their problem

 

[kiriket]

I must say Indian bowlers were epic during that time. Even though the quality has not improved over the years, but execution of Indian bowlers has improved vastly - it will be very difficult for any current day Pak batsman to score double century against Indian attack.