Top 3 iconic Test matches at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai

2. Chennai’s standing ovation to Pakistan after 12-run win in 1999 Test

The 1999 Test between India and Pakistan in Chennai will forever be remembered for the crowd giving a standing ovation to the visitors amid immense political tension. A war eventually broke five months later after the Test match but politics had no role in sports as the Chennai crowd was heavily impressed with Pakistan’s performance in the match.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 238 runs on the board. Mohammad Yousuf and Moin Khan registered a half-century each, while Anil Kumble picked up six wickets for the hosts. In reply, India made 254 runs, taking a lead of 16 runs. Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly hit a half-century each, while Saqlain Mushtaq picked up a five-for for Pakistan.

In the third innings, Shahid Afridi, who was opening the innings for Pakistan at that time, made 141 runs. Inzamam-ul-Haq made 51 runs as Pakistan posted 286 runs on the board. It was a mountain to climb for the Mohammad Azharuddin-led side as chasing 270 runs has never been easy in Chennai. However, Sachin Tendulkar took the challenge and played one of his greatest knocks.

He made 136 runs while Nayan Mongia made 52 runs but India fell just 12 runs short. Mushtaq once again picked up a five-for as the Pakistan players received a standing ovation after the game.