New Delhi: Former India pacer Zaheer Khan turned 46 on Monday, October 07. Regarded as one of India’s best fast bowlers of all time, Zaheer played an instrumental role in the Men in Blue’s 2011 ODI World Cup triumph. Being the senior-most bowler in the team, Zaheer spearheaded India’s pace attack in the tournament and produced consistent performances to help the hosts bring an end to their 28-year-long wait for their second ODI World Cup crown.
Zaheer finished the 2011 ODI World Cup as the joint-highest wicket-taker alongside Shahid Afridi with 21 wickets from 9 matches at an average of 18.76 and an economy rate of 4.83. While he was on top of his game throughout the tournament, Zaheer was also a guiding force for the other bowlers in the MS Dhoni-led Indian team.
Zaheer bowled a brilliant opening spell for India in the 2011 ODI World Cup final against Sri Lanka where he was exceptional in the Powerplay. The left-arm pacer kept the Sri Lankan top order quiet in the Powerplay in the summit clash with as many as three maidens in his first five overs. It was a remarkable first spell from Zaheer that is considered one of the best in World Cup history.
Zaheer Khan’s remarkable opening spell in 2011 ODI World Cup final
Zaheer was exceptional with the new ball in the all-important 2011 ODI World Cup final against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and provided India with a great start after Kumar Sangakkara & Co. won the toss and opted to bowl first in the game. Zaheer started with a tight over, conceding only two byes off it and followed it up with a maiden.
Thanks to his brilliant start, Dhoni decided to use Zaheer’s rhythm to full tilt and bowled him for five overs on the trot in his first spell during the Powerplay. Zaheer repaid the faith as he ended up giving away only 6 runs in his five overs and picked up a wicket as he dismissed Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga cheaply on 2 in the 7th over.
Zaheer’s opening spell of five overs consisted of as many as three maidens as he single-handedly ensured the Lankans were kept at bay during field restriction in the Powerplay. His opening spell set the tone for India as the hosts managed to restrict Sri Lanka to 276/4 in 50 overs despite Mahela Jayawardene’s brilliant knock of 103 runs off 88 balls.
Relive Zaheer’s sensational opening spell from 2011 World Cup final:
After restricting Sri Lanka to 276 runs in 50 overs, India rode on skipper MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 and Gautam Gambhir’s fabulous 97-run knock to chase down the target with 10 balls to spare. India thrashed Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final to become the first team to win the ODI World Cup at home as they brought an end to their 28-year-long wait for a second title after their maiden triumph in 1983.
Zaheer finished as the highest wicket-taker for India in the tournament with 21 wickets. He finished his international career with 282 wickets in 200 ODIs and 311 wickets from 92 Test matches. Zaheer is the joint-highest on the list of pacers with most wickets for India in Test cricket.
Former India pacer Zaheer Khan is celebrating his 46th birthday on Monday, October 07. On his special day, here is a look back at Indian pace great’s terrific opening spell against Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 ODI World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
