New Delhi, August 15: India is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its independence today. This day holds significant importance in the realm of Indian cricket as well. On this Independence Day, a Test match is set to commence between the Indian team and Sri Lanka in Galle. This match marks the 600th Test for the Indian cricket team, making it a historic occasion.
The Indian cricket team has taken the field several times on Independence Day throughout its history. While the team has celebrated victories, it has also faced disappointments. Notably, the only victory on Independence Day came against the West Indies. This thrilling match began on August 14 and concluded on August 15, with India securing a win and raising the national flag in Port of Spain.
In 2019, a One Day International (ODI) match between India and the West Indies started on August 14 and ended in the early hours of August 15, Indian time. The Indian team emerged victorious in this encounter as well.
In this rain-affected match, which consisted of 35 overs, the West Indies batted first and scored 240 runs. Chasing a target of 255 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis rule, India achieved the goal with six wickets in hand. Captain Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 114 off 99 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 65 runs off 41 balls, leading India to a six-wicket victory. The team reached 256 runs in just 32.5 overs. This win is officially recognized as the first victory in men’s cricket on Independence Day. Virat Kohli was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, as India won the three-match ODI series 2-0.
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