There is always a first time. For India, it was June 10, 1986, to secure their maiden win at the iconic Lord’s. Kapil Dev and Co. clinched a remarkable five-wicket win over the hosts England and recorded one of the greatest moments in India’s Test cricket history. Dilip Vengsarkar and Captain Kapil Dev were the driving forces behind this historical achievement.
India had to hunt down only 134 runs in the final innings, but the early onslaught from the English bowlers saw them restricted to 78 for 4 at one stage. The visitors lost one more wicket and the scoreboard read 110/5, entering a worrying situation. When the going gets tough, the tough get going – skipper Kapil had to recall this phrase and shoulder the responsibility.
Not reeling under much pressure, the fast-bowling all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 23 runs off just 10 balls to lead India to a famous victory. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri was at the other end, providing rock-solid support to his skipper with a 44-ball 20*.
Unsung hero Dilip Vengsarkar scripts history
It was Kapil Dev who won the Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance. Apart from his audacious 23*, the right-arm pacer took five wickets in two innings, including a four-wicket haul in the second innings. However, the real hero was Dilip Vengsarkar, who scored an unbeaten 126 in the first innings.
His scintillating knock made him the first overseas player to score three Test centuries at Lord’s. On the back of his century and Mohinder Amarnath’s 69 off 241 balls, India posted 341 in the first innings in reply to England’s 294. The home team were bundled out for 180 in their second innings with Kapil and Maninder Singh (3/9 in 20.4 overs) wreaking havoc.
For England, Graham Gooch shone with the bat as the opening batter slammed a century in the first innings. Graham Dilley was the pick of the bowlers for them, picking up six wickets in two innings. Notably, in the wake of an embarrassing defeat, David Gower was sacked as England captain.
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