The only left-arm fast bowler of the past 20 years from India who is actually of world-class caliber is Zaheer Khan, who turns 45 today.
Zaheer burst into the cricket scene in 2000 during the ICC KnockOut competition, which is now known as the Champions Trophy. His cricket career took an extraordinary turn as he impressively collected seven wickets in just four games during the competition.
In the early stages of his career, Zaheer Khan showcased impressive speed, consistently bowling at speeds near 150 kmph. Unfortunately, a string of injuries over time forced him to decrease his pace. Despite this setback, he played a crucial role in India’s triumphant victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
Here are Zaheer Khan’s three most memorable ODI World Cup performances:
3. Opening spell (5-3-6-1) vs Sri Lanka, Mumbai, 2011 ICC World Cup
Zaheer Khan cast out the ghosts of the 2003 final against Australia in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka.
He got off to a rocky start back then, giving up 15 runs in his first over. But in 2011, he displayed incredible restraint, surrendering just six runs in his first five overs, three of which were maidens, and this included ejecting Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga.
Although he was somewhat pricey in the back end, his opening stint gave India a commanding lead in the game and demonstrated how he had led the bowling assault throughout the World Cup.
2. 4/42 vs New Zealand, Centurion, 2003 ICC World Cup
Throughout the series leading up to the 2003 World Cup, New Zealand had dominated India. This edge didn’t matter much, though, as Indian spinners managed to dismiss them for just 146 runs.
With the ball, Zaheer Khan shone, taking four wickets for 42 runs in his eight overs. From the very first over of the game, he was magnificent, getting rid of both Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan for ducks. India won the game, and Zaheer Khan was named the game’s MVP.
1. 3/11 from last three overs vs England, Bangalore, 2011 World Cup
Although Zaheer Khan’s total bowling stats against England in Bangalore during the 2011 World Cup—three wickets for 64—may not seem very impressive, his three wickets significantly altered the course of this game.
In a frightening 338-run pursuit on a level field, England was cruising as Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell sprinted for the goal. The England top order treated Zaheer poorly; he gave up 0/40 from his first five overs before being substituted.
When he returned to the attack in the middle overs, nothing seemed to change as he conceded 13 runs in his subsequent two overs.
However, the left-armer changed the course of events when England needed 59 runs from the final eight overs. He removed Andrew Strauss, who was well established on 158, and Ian Bell, who was batting at 69. When the game finally ended in a stalemate, he subsequently sent Paul Collingwood back.
