Published By: Sayan Guha

OTD (Nov 8): When Legends Collide- Tendulkar and Dravid’s Record-Breaking Partnership Against New Zealand

25 years ago today, two icons joined forces to set the ODI world ablaze, crafting a partnership that etched their names into history

On a hazy November afternoon in Hyderabad, the pitch was as flat as a pancake, with the sun blazing down on Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium. It was November 8, 1999, and India was trailing 0-1 in a five-match series against New Zealand. The tension in the air was palpable, especially after a shaky start where Sourav Ganguly was run out for just 4 runs in the second over.

However, a moment arrived that had cricket fans believing something special was about to happen. In walked Rahul Dravid, joining none other than Sachin Tendulkar at the crease, and what followed was nothing short of magic.

Setting the stage for history

With Dravid at one end and Tendulkar leading the charge, India wasn’t just fighting to stay alive in the series—they were making a statement. The scoreboard began to tick, slowly at first, as Dravid and Tendulkar steadied the innings. Always eager to take on a challenge, Tendulkar sent powerful shots all over the field while Dravid settled in, nudging singles and doubles to apply pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers.

By the time Tendulkar crossed his fifty, Dravid had already found his dependable rhythm, effectively rotating the strike and keeping the score moving. It was a classic display from Dravid and Tendulkar—one attacking, the other anchoring. And the New Zealand bowlers? They were helpless, watching the scoreboard surge with each over.

When records tumbled like dominoes

As Tendulkar reached his 24th ODI hundred, Dravid followed suit. But they weren’t finished yet. Dravid, who had been patient until then, picked up the pace and even outscored Tendulkar at one point. Their partnership achieved a record-breaking 331 runs, which remains the second-highest stand for any wicket in ODI cricket. This record was surpassed only in 2015 by Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels.

Dravid eventually fell for a remarkable 153 runs off 153 balls, caught while attempting a slog-sweep. His innings included 15 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing sheer class and controlled aggression. Meanwhile, Tendulkar continued his stellar performance, finishing unbeaten with 186 runs off 150 balls. His innings was a masterclass in ODI batting, featuring 20 boundaries and 3 sixes. For several years, until he made his double-century in 2010, this 186 remained his highest ODI score.

India posted a colossal total of 376/2, significantly dampening New Zealand’s spirits.

A chase never really began

New Zealand’s chase never stood a chance. Right from the start, they faced a daunting run rate of over 7.5 runs per over, which led to their batting collapse, with wickets falling continuously. India’s bowling attack, led by Venkatesh Prasad (2/38), Javagal Srinath (1/37), and Anil Kumble (2/39), dominated and dismantled the Kiwi batting order.

New Zealand ended their innings with a score of 202 all out in just 33.1 overs. The 174-run defeat dented their confidence for the remainder of the series. India levelled the series at 1-1, but, more importantly, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid left a lasting impact on the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket.

A partnership for the ages

Tendulkar and Dravid’s 331-run partnership was remarkable, not just for the sheer numbers. Key stats include:

Runs scored: 331 runs in 46.2 overs, the highest partnership in ODIs at the time and still the second-highest.
Boundaries: 35 fours and 5 sixes combined.
Strike rate: Tendulkar’s 186* at a strike rate of 124.00; Dravid’s 153 off 153 balls at 100.00.
Milestones: Tendulkar’s 24th century and Dravid’s 6th, both scoring centuries in the same partnership.