Published By: Sayan Guha

On This Day (Nov 17): Happy Birthday Yusuf Pathan! Revisiting His Top 5 Iconic Knocks

Credit: DNA India

From blazing centuries to match-turning cameos, here’s why Yusuf Pathan’s name shines in cricket folklore

On Yusuf Pathan's special day, let's go down memory lane and enjoy the highlights of a remarkable career. Pathan, known for his powerful and game-changing displays, was an entertainer who thrived under pressure. He played 57 One-Day Internationals for India, scoring 810 runs at a strike rate of 113.60, including two centuries and three fifties. Pathan's effect in T20Is was as electrifying, with 236 runs from 22 matches and an explosive strike rate of 146.58.

Yusuf Pathan, a two-time World Cup champion (2007 T20 and 2011 ODI), also had a successful IPL career, where his performances for the Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders gained him legendary status. Let us revisit five of his most memorable knocks.

The Chinnaswamy blitz: 123 against New Zealand (2010)

When New Zealand got 315/7 in Bengaluru in the fourth ODI of the series, India's chase stuck at 188/5. That's when Yusuf Pathan delivered a batting masterclass. His 123 not out off 96 balls, complete with 7 fours and 7 sixes, transformed a difficult run chase into a spectacular 5-wicket victory.

His partnership with Saurabh Tiwary contributed 133 runs, resulting in a spectacular win. The knock displayed Pathan's ability not just to attack but also to anchor under duress.

A century in vain: 105 off 70 vs South Africa (2011)

India's innings looked doomed at 119/8 in Centurion during the fifth ODI of the series, which was tied at 2-2. They were chasing a D/L adjusted target of 268 in 46 overs. But Yusuf Pathan had other plans.

With 8 boundaries and 8 soaring sixes, his blazing 105 off 70 balls gave India a slim opportunity. Though they finally fell short by 33 runs, Pathan's knock showcased his battling attitude.

The 37-ball century (IPL 2010)

It was an occasion when Yusuf Pathan nearly achieved the impossible. In the 2010 IPL, when chasing a monstrous 213 against Mumbai Indians, the Rajasthan Royals were 66/4 in the tenth over. Enter Pathan.

An audacious show of power hitting followed: 9 fours and 8 sixes, driving him to an incredible 100 off just 37 balls. The MI bowlers were taken aback as Pathan cleared boundaries with ease, single-handedly keeping his team alive.

Unfortunately, his brave effort was insufficient, as the Royals fell short by only four runs. But that evening, Yusuf Pathan reminded everyone why he was such a game-changer.

The record-breaking 72 off 22 (IPL 2014)

Pathan delivered a stunning knock in the IPL 2014 as the Kolkata Knight Riders chased a 161-run target to finish in the top two in the league stage.

He came in at 78/4 and hammered 72 off only 22 balls, including seven sixes. His blazing innings guaranteed that KKR quickly chased down that target, finally leading to their second IPL victory.

The IPL 2008 final heroics: 56 Off 39

Yusuf Pathan was influential in the Rajasthan Royals' fairytale IPL victory in 2008. The Royals were struggling in the final against the Chennai Super Kings, but Pathan's 56 off 39 balls arrived precisely when they needed it. His aggressive batting and a 65-run partnership with Shane Watson propelled the Royals to victory.

Earlier in the contest, Pathan took three wickets for 22 runs, making him the undoubted star of the night and Player of the contest.

On his birthday, let us celebrate Pathan, the cricketer who introduced flare and energy to the game. Here's to more big hits like him that keep cricket exciting!