Happy Birthday Zaheer Khan: Without a doubt, Zaheer Khan was one of the biggest assets India had in fast bowling. The Board of Control for Cricket in Cricket (BCCI) selectors could not have asked for a greater gift after seeing Zaheer’s raw talent at the turn of the century, when country pacer Javagal Srinath was heading into the twilight zone of his career.
Zaheer was a man of many talents; He was able to reverse the old balls and swing the new ball. However, his greatest asset was his ability to control all three types of balls used in international cricket – SG, Duke and Kookaburra.
And, today, as the veteran Indian seamer celebrates his 44th birthday; Here we take a look at Zaheer’s top five performances in Test cricket:
7/87 vs Bangladesh in Dhaka – 2010
Zaheer’s best performance in the longest format of the game came against Bangladesh in 2010 when he took seven for 87 in the second innings of the Dhaka Test. After bowling out Bangladesh for 233 in the first innings, India scored 544 runs in the second innings. During Bangladesh’s second innings, Zaheer devastated the home team’s batting line-up with his quick bowling. In the end India were given a target of just two runs to win the match in their second innings and did so without losing a single wicket.
5/29 vs New Zealand in Hamilton – 2002
In 2002, Team India was in a difficult position after being dismissed for just 99 while batting first in the Hamilton Test. However, India’s pace sensation demolished New Zealand’s top order with their pace and swing to give them another day to fight. , He took five wickets giving away 29 runs as New Zealand were bundled out for 94 in their first innings. However, Zaheer’s heroism went in vain as New Zealand won the match by four wickets.
5/34 vs Bangladesh in Dhaka – 2007
Zaheer has bowled many stellar spells throughout his career in the longest format of the game and some of his best performances have come against India’s neighboring country Bangladesh. One such performance came in 2007 in Dhaka when he took five wickets for 29 runs. India won that match by an innings and 239 runs and Zaheer was adjudged the player of the match for his brilliant performance.
5/53 vs New Zealand in Wellington – 2002
India had an unforgettable visit during his tour of New Zealand in 2002-03. However, it was a successful year for Zaheer, who flourished in the country’s swinging conditions. He had bowled many memorable spells in that tour and one of them came in the Wellington Test. Just like in the opening match, India had a terrific outing in the first innings of the Wellington Test as they were bowled out for 161 and Zaheer was given the tough task of stopping the Kiwis from taking a big lead. To some extent, he was also successful in his work as he took 5 for 53 and restricted New Zealand to 247 runs. However, the home team won the match by ten wickets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/vuFFusfYWhA
4/59 and 5/75 vs England at Nottingham – 2007
In 2007, Zaheer produced a performance for the ages against England in Nottingham and guided India to a memorable seven-wicket win over the hosts. He took four wickets for 59 runs during England’s first innings. But, that was yet to be completed as he took five for 75 during the home team’s second innings. It was arguably one of the best bowling performances by a flamboyant cricketer, mainly because he did so in England’s overseas conditions.
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