Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin’s 222-run stand remains one of the most iconic stands in the India-South Africa Test series. The two teams will meet again on Friday, November 14 (Images via Getty) As India and South Africa prepare for their much-anticipated Test series starting on November 14 at the Eden Gardens, memories of one of the most enthralling partnerships between the two nations are flooding back. The 222-run stand between Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin in Cape Town in 1997 still remains one of the most iconic stands in the game. Built under immense pressure, this innings remains one of the greatest examples of India’s fighting spirit even after the defeat. Led by Shubman Gill for India and Temba Bavuma for South Africa, the upcoming series promises its own chapters of drama and brilliance. But for those who witnessed that memorable day in Cape Town, the standard of courage was set some 28 years ago.
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India’s 1996/97 tour of South Africa got off to a disastrous start in Durban, where pacer Allan Donald and co dismantled the visitors for 100 and 66. At Newlands, facing a first innings of 529 for seven declared, India again crumbled to 58 for five. That’s when Tendulkar and Azharuddin turned the tide with a mammoth effort, winning hearts and etching a partnership that will be remembered for generations. The two adopted contrasting methods but were united in purpose. In the first hour after lunch alone, the duo smashed over 100 runs on flow. The course of the game remains one of the most exciting in Test history. With Nelson Mandela watching from the stands, Tendulkar and Azharuddin dismantled the South African bowling attack of Donald, Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener, Brian McMillan and Paul Adams. Tendulkar’s 169 was a display of precision attacking and control, while Azharuddin’s 115 off 110 balls was full of power.The partnership ended on 222 when Azhar was run out and only a spectacular catch by Adam Bacher could dismiss Tendulkar. Even the South African fans applauded the brilliance they witnessed. Despite all the heroics, India eventually lost by 282 runs, but the partnership remains etched in cricketing memory. With South Africa now returning to India for their first Test series since 2019, expectations are high. The two-match series, first in Kolkata and then Guwahati, will also mark Rishabh Pant’s Test comeback, with the wicket-keeper batsman named vice-captain. It’s a chance for the hosts to boost their World Test Championship campaign, while the visitors will be tested against India’s depth and resilience in home conditions.
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But for fans, memories of Tendulkar and Azharuddin’s defiance in Cape Town join the list of iconic moments this rivalry has often produced – be it Virender Sehwag’s century on his Test debut or Sreesanth’s unplayable delivery to Jacques Kallis.
