Happy Birthday Sourav Ganguly: Top Batting Performances By 'DADA' Of Indian Cricket

Sourav Ganguly birthday: As one of team India's most fearless and greatest ever captain turns 51, here's a look at some of Dada's top batting performances.

Sourav Ganguly, the Indian batting legend, affectionately known as 'DADA', is celebrating his 51st birthday on Saturday (July 8).

As one of team India's most fearless and greatest ever captain turns 51, have a look at some of Dada's top batting performances.

131 in IND vs ENG Test, 1996

Sourav Ganguly scored a ton in his debut Test vs England at Lord's. The fearless number three batter faced 301 deliveries to hammered 131 runs which helped his team get back into the game, save the Test match. 

141 Not out in IND vs SA match, 2000

In ICC Knockout Cup 2000 semi-finals, team India skipper Sourav Ganguly led from the front as he compiled a solid 145-run second wicket partnership with Rahul Dravid. Dada unleashed beat mode in the death overs and eventually finished unbeaten on 142-ball 141 runs with six sixes and 11 boundaries to his name. Sourav's batting heroics powered his team to a memorable 95-run win over Proteas in that match.

239 in IND vs PAK Test, 2007

Sourav Ganguly played one of the best Test innings of his career in the final match of IND vs PAK three-match Test series in 2007. Dada came in to bat when his team was reeling at 44/2 and went on to score 239 runs in first innings and 91 runs in the second innings. Sadly, his heroics went in vain as the match was called off due to rain when India were just three wickets away from a memorable win. 

153 Not out in IND vs NZ ODI, 1999

Every Indian top-order batter, except legend Sourav Ganguly, perished on the damp pitch during India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI match. Dada saved the day for team India with his unbeaten innings of 153 runs as the Men in Blue went on to post a competitive 261-run total. During the chase, Ganguly bagged the priced wicket of Adam Parure, which was key in helping India beat Kiwis, seal the series 2-1.

98 Not out in IND vs SL Test, 2001

Sri Lanka defeated India in the first Test to take 1-0 lead and Sourav Ganguly & Co. had to chase a tough total of 264 in the second innings on Lankan turf. Sri Lanka's spin heavy bowling attack on spin-friendly Lankan pitch was more lethal than ever in the fourth innings. But Ganguly and his deputy Rahul Dravid showed class as they led the Indian side to a famous win with a 91-run third-wicket stand. In this Test, Ganguly played a magnificent unbeaten innings of 98 runs.