July 15  
Vajpayee congratulates Indian cricket team 

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Sunday congratulated the national cricket team for its triumph over England in the NatWest tri-series final at Lord's.

In a message, Vajpayee said Saturday's game "epitomised the grit, determination and teamwork, particularly of the younger players." Youngsters Mohammad Kaif (87 not out) and Yuvraj Singh (69) had resurrected India from 146-5 to help overtake England's total of 325-5 for the second-highest successful run chase in one-dayers.

"The resilient spirit of India was evident in the way Ganguly, Yuvraj and Kaif essayed a spectacular comeback. They literally snatched the game from the jaws of defeat and won us the trophy," the message read.

"These youngsters have proved that persistence coupled with a firm belief in themselves can bring the country laurels and no target is difficult to achieve." It was the first title-win for India after nine consecutive defeats in tournament finals.