Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan celebrates his 40th birthday on Sunday. From swinging the ball prodigiously to taking part in very important knocks, Pathan was one in all India’s most versatile cricketers throughout his time with an illustrious profession that noticed him shine with each bat and ball.
On his special occasion, we revisit his high 4 iconic moments that made him a fan favorite.
Hat-trick in opposition to Pakistan in 2006
Arguably probably the most memorable second of Pathan’s profession got here within the Karachi Check in opposition to arch-rivals Pakistan in 2006, when he grew to become the primary Indian bowler to take a hat-trick within the opening over of a Check match. Pathan surprised the Pakistani batting lineup by dismissing Salman Butt, Younis Khan, and Mohammad Yousuf in consecutive deliveries, etching his title into the historical past books.
Man of the Match within the 2007 T20 World Cup closing
Pathan performed a pivotal position in India’s victory within the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007, particularly within the closing in opposition to Pakistan. His match-winning spell of three for 16 within the high-pressure closing helped India clinch the trophy. Pathan’s outstanding bowling beneath stress earned him the Man of the Match award, contributing considerably to India’s historic triumph within the match.
Match-winning all-round present within the Perth Check, 2008
In one of many hardest assignments for any cricketer – an abroad Check in Australia – Pathan produced a stellar all-round efficiency in Perth in 2008. He took 5 wickets within the match and in addition scored 46 very important runs within the second innings, serving to India safe a uncommon victory on Australian soil. His capability to make an impression with each bat and ball was on full show, incomes him the Man of the Match award in India’s well-known win on the WACA.
Maiden Check century in 2007
Pathan was not only a bowler however a greater than succesful batsman. Within the Bangalore Check in opposition to Pakistan in 2007, he scored his maiden and solely Check century, batting at No. 8. His knock of 102 was a testomony to his batting expertise and flexibility, proving he may contribute with the bat at essential moments. It stays one of many highlights of his Check profession.
As Irfan Pathan turns 40, his contributions to Indian cricket are fondly remembered. Whether or not it was his deadly swing bowling, his essential knocks with the bat, or his never-say-die spirit, Pathan stays a beloved determine in Indian cricket.