Yusuf's smashes career-saving century, as India beat Kiwi's again
It is always difficult to break through into the batting line-up for the Indian team, however hard work and cashing the chance pays off. This is exactly what happened with Yusuf Pathan, who started his career with the international
team in 2007 at Twenty20 level for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Irfan-Pathan-c1601, who was at the peak of his powers when Yusuf made his debut. Within a few months of performing at the highest level Yusuf proved his own identity, and was
often preferred over his talented brother.
With a lot of new players coming into the Indian team after successful seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL), it is hard for any player to cement a permanent place in an Indian team. Stalwarts like Sachin Tendulkar and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772
are proving that they are still the best, which adds to the pressure on younger players to perform. Yusuf Pathan is an explosive batsman and part time off-break bowler from Gujarat. The 28-year-old Yusuf was successful at the under-19 regional level, and that
eventually earned him a call up to the national side.
Scoring a century was nothing new for Yusuf, after he scored a match-winning 37-ball century, to secure a win for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 Indians in the IPL. His innings was declared one of the best by Captain Shane Warne.
Warne said, "I've played cricket for 21 years and I have seen Sachin Tendulkar as the best batsman against whom I have played. But today was the best innings I have ever seen.” That blistering innings from Yusuf ensured he kept his place for the Indian team’s
upcoming tours.
He scored his first international century in the fourth one-day international against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 in Bangalore. He belted the Kiwi attack to all corners of the park, during a knock which earned him the man-of-the-match award. India
had already won the series, while New Zealand were playing for pride. India was chasing a respectable target of 315 runs, after losing the toss and fielding first. India was in trouble when they lost their fourth wicket for108 runs. Yusuf signaled his intent
immediately with two crisp boundaries, when he arrived at the crease in 37th over.
New Zealand’s pacers tested him with early bouncers, however Yousaf was up to the task and played every ball on its merit, ensuring he didn’t miss out poor deliveries. Daniel Vettori tried to trap Yusuf with his arm balls, but to
no avail. Yusuf was cautious against the spinners, bowling with a wet ball and a dew covered outfield, but by the time the pacers came he had judged the conditions to perfection.
After settling in he hit Vettori for a massive flat six, to bring up his half century. This was the start of his extraordinary hitting and a blow to New Zealand’s hopes of winning their first game on the tour. Earlier in the day, Yusuf
bagged three wickets in his nine overs. Given the poor figures for all the Indian bowlers, Pathan kept things tight, giving away just 49 runs. He also removed set batsman Scott Styris for a score of 46 runs.
Yusuf’s innings will certainly be a welcome sign for him and his team, since he has not been performing at best for a while. Previously he was labeled as a Twenty20 batsman, however this innings shows that he is competent enough for
the 50 over game as well. This innings has surely saved his career, and could earn him a spot in India’s World Cup for next year.
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