Top 5 Memorable performances from Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh is a name that often echoes in all the cricketing alleys of the World. In a career spanning for almost two decades, the left-hander shattered many records and engraved his name in many history books. Yuvraj started his career with the national team in 2000. The stylish batsman did not take time to settle and soon built a reputation as a match-winner.
The World Cup winner fought a draining battle with a severe ailment to register his name as one of the greats of the game. The Chandigarh born batsmen churned out many powerful performances in his time as a cricketer, and his fielding and slow left-arm orthodox bowling also caught the attention of fans around the World. Let’s take a look at few of his memorable performances:
69 vs England, Natwest Series 2002 Final
Yuvraj Singh was still finding his feet when India faced England in the memorable final of Natwest Series 2002. The game could arguably be regarded as the true coming-of-age of Yuvraj Singh. Yuvraj displayed his match-winning skills for the first time in the match when he partnered with a young Mohd Kaif.
The left-hander portrayed immense potential and quickly raced to a 69 of just 63 deliveries. He played a crucial role in what is considered a historic victory in Indian cricket.
58 versus England, T-20 World Cup 2007
India faced England in a do-or-die Super 6 game. India needed a victory to qualify for the knockouts of the tournament. Even though the Men in Blue got a quick start, the flat nature of wicket ensured that they were a few runs short.
Yuvraj played an innings, which in many ways proved career-defining for him. Singh slaughtered a young Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over and reached to his half-century in just 12 balls, a record which still stands today. Many pundits hold this inning in high regard, and the inning defined India’s journey to the title.
85 vs England, 1st Test, England’s tour of India 2008
Yuvraj Singh had a difficult journey in the red-ball cricket, but this particular innings found a special place in history books. Chasing a robust total of 387 in the final innings, India had a shaky start against a spectacular English bowling unit. Yuvraj partnered with Sachin Tendulkar and led the side to a historic victory. Both added 163 runs for the fifth wicket on the last day and chased down, which is the fourth highest chase in test history.
57 Not Out and 2-44 vs Australia, Quarter Final, World Cup 2011
Yuvraj Singh was the player of the tournament in 2011 and outperformed himself in every game. However, if we had to nitpick one game, the Quarter Final would qualify. India faced Australia, a team that had not lost a single knockout game in the World Cup for 15 years.
However, Yuvraj Singh had different plans. He initiated the game with two wickets and later played a memorable innings batting second to take India to a victory from a problematic situation. The fact that Yuvraj was fighting Cancer and was spotted spitting blood during his innings made this contribution even more special.
70 vs Australia, Semi-Final, T20 World Cup 2007
India faced an Australian team that had just conquered the 50 Over World Cup and consisted of some of the best players in limited over cricket. The odds were stacked against India, but Yuvraj Singh had different plans.
Yuvraj continued from where he left in the previous game and smashed the Australian bowlers all over the park. The left-hander played a memorable inning where he raced to a scintillating 70 runs of 30 balls. He was adjudged man of the match in the game which India won.
