September 4, 1993, is a day embedded deep in the memory of not just Warwickshire supporters but followers of cricket as a whole.
It was the day of the NatWest Trophy final. Warwickshire beat Sussex by five wickets. Sussex 321 for six, the Bears 322 for five after 60 overs.
It was described in the 1994 Wisden Cricketers Almanack as ‘The Greatest Final’. More than 20 years later, it remains the greatest domestically. And probably always will.
Many people vividly recall the match, the day and the occasion, each with his or her own special memories.
But there is one chap who has a unique perspective on it – and who has every right to feel uniquely proud, having been the principal catalyst for the Bears’ sensational victory.
Asif Din went into bat with the score on a wobbly 93 for three and came out, with a brilliant 104 to his name, at 306 for five having taken his team to the brink of a win and a denouement which was to leave the cricket world abuzz for weeks.
“It is a very special memory,” says Asif. “It created so much interest. Because it was so late finishing, club games all over the West Midlands had ended and people, some not even changed out of their whites, were glued to the telly in clubhouses watching it with a pint.
“There are many highlights in life; your marriage, your first child – and as a cricketer your first century and first five-for. But to score a hundred in a Lord’s final, and in that Lord’s final, for the county you have played for all your career – well, it doesn’t get better that.”
Watch extended highlights from ‘The Greatest Final’ on our Facebook page by clicking HERE.
