On This Day In 2010: Suresh Raina Became The First Indian To Slam T20I Ton

Out-of-favour Suresh Raina, who is an attacking batsman has more often than not helped his team while opting for the big shots. He has the ability to handle the pressure whenever the Indian team loses his top-order batsman. He has played many notable innings for India at the big platforms and one of them, his first century in the T20I format. Raini is the first Indian cricketer to score a century in the shortest format.

On 2nd May, exactly ten years ago, Suresh Raina played a brilliant knock against South Africa during the T20 World Cup 2010.

At Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, India was playing the second group stage match after winning the first match against Afghanistan. South Africa won the toss and elected to field first.

While batting, Murali Vijay, the Indian opener, lost his wicket for a duck in the first over so Raina entered the field. And, he went on to play the most memorable knock of his career.

He set up partnerships with Dinesh Karthik and Yuvraj Singh and took the game format. Soon after scoring a century, he lost his wicket to South African bowler JA Morkel, but he had set the game for India.

In his quickfire knock of 101 runs off just 60 balls, he struck nine fours and five sixes. India set up the target of 187 runs which the Proteas could not chase down. The Men in Blue went on to win the game by 14 runs.

Here is Suresh Raina’s Tweet

The left-hand batsman also reminisced his notable knock today on Twitter while sharing the photos.

“One of the most memorable moments for me. Scoring a first-ever T20i century for my country undoubtedly filled me with a lot of confidence, energy & a never-ending zest of giving my 100% to my game every time I’m on the field,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

One of the most memorable moments for me. Scoring a first ever T20i century for my country undoubtedly filled me with a lot of confidence, energy & a never ending zest of giving my 100% to my game every time I’m on the field. pic.twitter.com/1b7MdthbIP

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 2, 2020