Picture Credit: Twitter
Yusuf Pathan’s Top-5 knocks
1. 72 (22) vs Hyderabad, 2014, Eden Gardens
This innings is regarded as not only one of Pathan’s finest, but one of the most thrilling innings in the history of the IPL. KKR were chasing 160 in 15 overs in order to secure a place in the top 2 and get a solid advantage in the play-off race. Kolkata were reeling at 78/4, but Yusuf Pathan had other ideas as he came in and obliterated the Hyderabad bowling line-up, taking apart Dale Steyn in that famous over in which he hit 2 fours and 3 sixes. In the end, KKR cruised to a win because of Pathan’s heroics.
2. 123*(96) vs New Zealand, 2010, Bangalore
Yusuf Pathan has always had a knack of rescuing his team whenever it has been under pressure. This was another one of those mesmerizing knocks and probably his best one ever. India bowled first and conceded 315 runs against a mighty New Zealand. India were in a bit of a tussle at 188/5. Yusuf Pathan rose to the occasion and smashed an unbeaten 123 off just 96 balls to win it for India.
3. 60 (29) vs Bangalore, 2016, Bangalore
Bangalore might be Pathan’s favorite hunting ground as he keeps delivering at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. It almost seems like pressure cooker situations bring the best out of the elder Pathan brother. Chasing 186, Kolkata were on their knees at 79/4, but once again, enter Pathan. He took the game away from Bangalore single-handedly and again demonstrated that he is one of the most powerful strikers of the cricket ball in India.
4. 105 (70) vs South Africa, 2011, Centurion
This was probably Pathan’s most memorable overseas trip. This knock eventually went down in vain as India ended up losing this game but regardless, Yusuf Pathan’s ferocious striking was at full display. India were chasing 251 in the 2nd innings and he almost took the game away from South Africa after India were found stuttering at 119/8.
5. 100 (37) vs Mumbai, 2010, Mumbai
This was undoubtedly Yusuf Pathan’s most memorable knock as he scored the then fastest century in the IPL off just 37 deliveries playing for the Rajasthan Royals before shifting camps to Kolkata. He smashed 9 fours and 8 sixes in this swashbuckling knock that took the IPL by storm. This was probably Yusuf Pathan’s career-defining innings and will always be etched in the mind of every cricket fan.