India's First Test Victory-
the first test victory for the Indian cricket team came on 10th February 1952, 20 years after playing the first match. The iconic moment came against England, which made it more memorable. The Vijay Hazare-led Indian side demolished the England team by an innings and 8 runs in Madras. The key performers in this historic victory Pankaj Roy (111 runs), Polly Umrigar (130 runs), and Vinoo Mankad (12 wickets). This win meant that India drew a 5 match series (1-1) for the first time.
India Triumph as World Champions for the first time-
On June 25th, 1983, Kapil Dev led the Indian Cricket team to a famous victory against the mighty West Indies, the defending champions. At that time, defeating West Indies was one hell of a task, but India's underdogs had some other plan as they registered their first-ever World cup win. Mohinder Amarnath was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant All-around performance.
The Famous Kolkata Test Victory-
15th March 2001, this day was the arrival of a new era in Indian Cricket. No one can forget this India's famous victory against Australia at Kolkata. India was 1-0 down before the start of the match, and Australia was regarded as favorites as they had a 16 match winning streak. The match was in Australia's hands as they enforced the follow-on on Day 3 as India trail by 274 runs. This is the time when the miracle started, with Laxman (281) and Dravid (180) took Australia to cleaners with a massive partnership of 376 runs after batting together for more than a day. India later rattled out Australia on 212 runs and securing an unbelievable win. Sourav Ganguly considers this match as God's match.
T20 World Cup win-
After an unforgettable loss in the 2007 ODI World Cup, the team's captaincy was given to a young MS Dhoni for the Inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa. India made their way to the finals to be played on 24th September, and that too against the arch-rivals Pakistan in Johannesburg. So a victory was a must, meaning to shot 2 birds from 1 arrow. India batting first scored a decent 157, with Gambhir being the top run-scorer with 75 runs. India reduced Pakistan to 77/6, which seemed an easy victory, but Misbah had other plans as he played sensibly. The match got intense, with Pakistan needing 13 runs off the last over with one wicket left. The ball was in the hands of an inexperienced Joginder Sharma. Pakistan inched closer to victory with 6 runs needed of 4 balls, but a false shot from Misbah handed India the first T20 World Cup. Irfan Pathan bagged the MOM award as he returned with the figures of 16/3. This win started a new era under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
India Lift the World Cup after 28 years-
The 2011 World Cup was held in India, which brought hopes among the Indians to lift the trophy after being the Runner ups in 2003. This was also the last chance to see Sachin Tendulkar winning the cup after waiting for 22 years. India reached the final after defeating the arch-rivals Pakistan. The final was against Sri Lanka on 2nd April 2011 at Wankhede, Mumbai. Sri Lanka was undefeated throughout the tournament. The Sri Lankan team batting 1st scored 274 in 50 overs. India didn't get off to a great start, with Sachin and Sehwag getting dismissed early. Gambhir took the matter into his own hands alongside Virat Kohli, who got dismissed after a decent 35 runs. Later Dhoni and Gambhir brought India closer to a victory, with Gambhir getting dismissed close to a century. With 4 required from 11 balls, Dhoni smashed a Six and finished the things off in style. India emerged as the World Champions for the second time after 28 years.
India wins the 2013 Champions Trophy-
The 2013 Champions trophy was held in England & Wales. The Indian team was full of young players; for most, it was their first ICC tournament. India didn't start the tournament as favorites as the conditions didn't suit them, and there was a lack of experience on the side. Rohit played as an opener for the first time alongside Dhawan. They didn't disappoint, though, as India reached the finals against the home team and the favorites England. The final was played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on 23rd June. The match was shortened to a 20 over game due to rain. In the low-scoring encounter, India scored 129 in 20 overs. England seemed to win easily until Ishant grabbed both the set batsman Bopara and Morgan in succession and turning the match into India's hands. Ashwin later defended 11 runs in the last over, securing India the trophy for the second time. With this, Dhoni became the first and only Captain to win all the ICC trophies.
India register their first test series victory in Australia-
In 2018, India toured Australia for the Border-Gavaskar trophy, which was a 4 match test series. India had never won a Test series on Australian soil before. The no.1 ranked Indian team led by Virat Kohli looked confident of winning the series. Virat has always been in the news whenever India tours Australia. India won the first test by 31 runs as Pujara bagged the MOM for his 123 & 71. As the series moved to Perth, Virat's century went in vain as Australia made a comeback by defeating India by a massive 146 runs. The series progressed as India played Australia in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test Match. India scored a mammoth 443, thanks to Pujara's 106 of 319. Later Bumrah added cherry to the cake with his 6 wicket haul. India went on to win the match by 137 runs. India later arrived in Sydney after winning their first-ever Boxing day test. India was in a commanding position in the last test, but it went on for a draw due to rains. Thus, India winning the series 2-1. Virat Kohli became the first captain to win a test series in Australia.
I hope you all must have enjoyed it and have brought back great memories.
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