#ThisDayThatYear: Azhar, Sidhu help India win 4th Asia Cup title
On April 14, 1995, the Indian cricket team went on to lift its fourth Asia Cup title. Team India defeated Sri Lanka in the finale of the tournament by eight wickets at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium under the leadership of Mohammad Azharuddin. Azhar and Sidhu played defining roles to help India clinch the trophy. Here's more on the same.
Sri Lanka managed a paltry 230/7 in 50 overs
After getting off to a decent start, Sri Lanka were jolted with twin blows. Openers Roshan Mahanama (15) and Sanath Jayasuriya (22) departed in quick succession. Asanka Gurusinha (85) fought a lone battle from there on as Lanka kept losing regular scalps. For Team India, Venkatesh Prasad (2/32) and Anil Kumble (2/50) stood out.
India seal a sensational victory
India were 48/0 when opener Manoj Prabhakar (9) departed. Sachin Tendulkar played a brisk innings of 41. He smashed five fours. He was the next one to be dismissed with India's score reading 58/2. From there on, skipper Azharuddin and the versatile Navjot Sidhu took over. Both remained unbeaten on 90 and 84 respectively. Their 175-run stand made the difference for Team India.
Azhar and Sidhu steal the show for Team India
Sidhu, who came in at number three, struck an unbeaten 84 off 106 deliveries. The right-handed batsman smashed five fours at a strike-rate of 79.24. Meanwhile, skipper Azhar was terrific. He smashed a 89-ball 90 at a rate of 101.12. The right-handed Azhar registered five fours and two sixes. Sri Lankan bowlers couldn't stop the two batsmen in defending a poor score.
Crucial stats of the 1995 Asia Cup
In the tournament, Team India sealed three victories including the final. They had suffered one loss against Pakistan. Sachin Tendulkar scored the most runs in the tournament (205). Meanwhile, Anil Kumble claimed the most wickets (7). Sidhu was adjudged Player of the Tournament. India have gone on to win six Asia Cups in total. Post 1995 edition, India's next win came in 2010.
