Every cricket fan surely has a pretty keen idea of Zaheer Khan’s tremendous contribution in taking India to the top of the world game. The man seemed to be saddled with injuries throughout his 14-year long illustrious career, yet he found a way to become one of India’s greatest fast bowlers. His command of reverse swing was almost magical as was the confidence he inspired in his captains.
So before bidding him a warm goodbye on his retirement announcement , we bring you some special Zak moments, which left us wanting more:
1. 5/95 against Australia in Brisbane, 2003
Zaheer Khan took 5 wickets for 95 runs in the the series opener at Brisbane. The casualties included Mathew Hayden, who got out with a perfect out-swinger, and a surprised Ricky Ponting, who couldn’t with a short ball. Unluckily for him and Team India, Zaheer had to miss the rest of the series due to an injury.
2. 7/87 against Bangladesh, 2010
Zaheer (7/87) recorded his best figures in an innings, eclipsing the 5/29 against New Zealand at Hamilton in 2002-03. Yes, it was Bangladesh but someone had to take the wickets and he did that.
3. Four sixes off Zimbabwe’s Henry Olanga in 2000 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Not long ago, Zaheer Khan could bat. And if you need proof of that, just watch the clip below.
4. Graeme Smith – 8 dismissals
The former South Africa skipper welcomed Zaheer’s retirement in as sporting a manner as possible by tweeting, ” Congrats on a fantastic career @ ImZaheer enjoyed our battles,even if you won most of them.” But such was Zaheer’s dominance that one could be forgiven for thinking that the left-armer only needed to turn up and Smith would quietly walk back to the pavilion.
5. World Cup 2011
We remember India won the World Cup. We remember Dhoni hit a six to win the final. We remember Yuvraj Singh’s all-round brilliance. We remember the ‘Do It For Sachin’ motto. But how many of us remember that Zaheer Khan. was the joint highest wicket-taker in cricket’s biggest extravaganza, with 21 wickets along with Shahid Afridi. It was typical of the man — he was always about just the wickets.
6. Zaheer, I Love You
He could be quite a sport too.
Read more:
Zaheer Khan’s Emotional Goodbye Letter Will Make You Miss Him Even More
India’s Pace Icon Zaheer Khan Announces Retirement From International Cricket Zaheer Khan Reacts To A Girl’s ‘I Love You’ Message On Live TV And The Moment’s Priceless
