Zaheer Khan, a skilled Indian fast bowler, had surprising times as a batsman too though he’s primarily known for bowling. Just about 24 years ago, he shockingly took on ex-fast bowler Henry Olong in a thrilling home game with Zimbabwe, it’s one memory that’s lived on.
Zaheer Khan hit four consecutive sixes off Olonga in the final four deliveries of India’s innings in the third of a five-match ODI series at Jodhpur. He started the carnage with a full toss over the deep mid-wicket boundary, followed by a superb straight six over the long-on boundary.
Zaheer Khan completed his hattrick by repeating the previous six by smashing another full delivery over the deep mid-wicket boundary. He made it four in a straight with another stunning hold-the-pose shot over the long-on boundary, which got the fans up and dancing.
Here’s a video of Zaheer Khan’s incredible conclusion to India’s batting innings:
When the eighth wicket fell, India had risen to a competitive 283/8 in 50 overs from a shaky 235.
He concluded with 32 from 11 deliveries and had a crucial 48-run partnership with current Indian head selector Ajit Agarkar.
Along with his 600+ international wickets, Zaheer Khan scored over 2,000 runs in his outstanding career, including three Test half-centuries. This remarkable cameo occurred just two months after his international debut in the ICC Knockout Trophy in 2000.
Zaheer Khan’s Brilliance Goes in Vain as India Lose to Zimbabwe
Despite Zaheer Khan’s spectacular heroics to clinch the innings, Team India was defeated by Zimbabwe in that encounter.
After winning the first two ODIs, the hosts tried to wrap off the series by deciding to bat first after winning the toss. India scored 283 runs, led by Sachin Tendulkar 146 and other lower-order contributions.
Zimbabwe seemed to be over at 52/3 until the Flower brothers, Andy and Grant, had other ideas. With performances of 77 and 70, the pair scored 158 runs for the fourth wicket to resuscitate the visitors’ innings.
Despite the fact that both hitters left immediately to leave Zimbabwe at 214/6, skipper Heath Streak’s 23 and Mluleki Nkala’s 36 enabled Zimbabwe over the line by one wicket off the last delivery. And, oddly, it was Henry Olonga’s single that drove in the winning runs.
Despite Zimbabwe’s memorable triumph to keep the series alive, Team India easily won the following two games to secure a 4-1 series win.
