Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, on Tuesday, produced a match-winning all-round performance against Sri Lanka Legends in the ongoing Road Safety World Series. Besides showcasing his mettle with the ball by picking up the prized wicket of Romesh Kaluwitharana. Irfan also scored magnificent fifty — to steer India Legends to a five-wicket win at the DY Patil Sports Stadium in Mumbai.
Chasing the target of 139, India Legends ran through a terrible start to the game as the side lost Sachin Tendulkar (0) in the very first over of the innings. Soon after, Virender Sehwag (3) and Yuvraj Singh (1) were dismissed cheaply and thus reducing India to 19/3 in the fifth over itself.
Mohammad Kaif and Sanjay Bangar put up a decent fight in the middle by adding 43 runs for the fourth wicket. But the partnership was shortlived as their stand came to an end in the 11th over as Rangana Herath got the better of Sanjay Bangar (18). With 58 runs needed from 34 deliveries, Mohammed Kaif (46) also gave away his wicket.
Sri Lanka Legends were in firm control of the game before Irfan decided to switch gears.
The left-handed batsman, who called it quits from all forms of cricket earlier this year, ripped the opposition apart as he reached his fifty off just 29 balls.
Irfan Pathan single-handedly tears opposition apart with a whirlwind fifty
During the 19th over of the game when the team was under immense pressure, he hit Tillakaratne Dilshan for three consecutive fours and after which, he took a single to take India Legends over the line.
Thanks to the all-important 58-run partnership with Manpreet Gony that helped India Legends beat Sri Lanka Legends by six wickets with six balls to spare.
Yusuf Pathan reacts:
Irfan’s scintillating all-round performance drew plaudits not only from the supporters but also from his elder brother and former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan. Impressed with Irfan Pathan’s impressive display that steered India Legends to victory, Yusuf Pathan took to Twitter to shower praise on his younger brother.
“What a knock under pressure @IrfanPathan !!! Loved watching your batting, especially those sixes coming off your bat… Also, well done with the ball… Brilliant all-round performance..,” wrote Yusuf Pathan.
What a knock under pressure @IrfanPathan !!! Loved watching your batting, especially those sixes coming off your bat… Also, well done with the ball… Brilliant all-round performance.. ?? pic.twitter.com/StgXPyQZk5
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) March 10, 2020
In reply, Irfan Pathan came up with a heart-warming tweet. He wrote:
“Learned from the best you know Lala ;).”
Learned from the best you know Lala 😉
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 11, 2020
Irfan Pathan’s knock was laced with six fours and three maximums. Irfan Pathan eventually remained unbeaten on 57 off 21 balls.