When Javed Miandad struck Chetan Sharma for a six off the last ball in 1986, not only did it bring one of the most dramatic outcomes between the two teams, but it also sent the city of Sharjah into cricketing folklore. The venue became an icon and the go-to place to stage cricket's most beloved clash - India vs Pakistan, drawing packed crowds and Bollywood celebrities (and even the infamous gangster Dawood Ibrahim) to the stands.
Chasing 246 to win in 50 overs, Miandad walked in at 61/3 and went on to score an unbeaten 116 off 114 balls. But with four needed off the final delivery, India's Chetan Sharma ended up bowling a low full toss that Miandad pounced upon and blasted over the mid-wicket, leaving the Pakistan fans dancing in the aisles. The story goes that Miandad was later presented with a golden sword for his heroics.
But even after 40 years, on this day, that moment continues to dominate stories of India-Pakistan rivalry. For Sharma, it also marked a turning point.
“At the age of 18 or 19, the captain had that much confidence in you to give you the last over. But my mind was blank, “ recalled Sharma in an exclusive chat with Sports Now.
India had chances before the final ball but failed to take them. “If you see the entire over, there were ups and downs. I got two wickets. We missed one run-out. We missed another chance on the fifth ball. We had the opportunity. We let it go. And he had the opportunity, and he made full use of it,” Sharma said.
On that fateful final delivery, Sharma was clear about his intent. “It was obviously a yorker attempt. It went as a full toss. The area was not right. It became a low full toss. But he really took it well. That’s why I say he was one of the best batters of that era.”
While the moment is remembered as one of intense pressure, Sharma sees it differently. “Actually, that was not much pressure. In those days, 10 to 12 runs were easily defendable.”
The decision proved crucial and Sharma returned stronger. “After that, I went to England and took 16 wickets in two Test matches. That was India's first victory in 21 years. My coach guided me back.”
He also pushed back against the idea that one moment defined his career. “I played most of my career after that only. Ups and downs keep you grounded. It pushes you to perform better.”
In the dressing room, the support was immediate, even in defeat. “Everybody was there. As a youngster, they were backing me, saying it’s okay. But losing to Pakistan is always a big thing.”
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
