Yuvraj Singh is not ready to accept this title despite his big-hitting that drowned Sri Lanka
Yuvraj Singh is not ready to accept this title despite his big-hitting that drowned Sri Lanka
Flamboyant India batsman wrote a splendid script for himself at the Punjab Cricket Association ground when he hit 60 runs off just 25 balls to help India win the second Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka on his 28th birthday.
Party animal Yuvraj waltzed away on his home ground as the Sri Lankans couldn't believe their luck after posting a total which they believed was substantialu00a0-- 206 for seven in 20 overs.
Yuvraj and Virender Sehwag (64 off 36 balls) contributed to theu00a0 highest successful run-chase in Twenty20 internationals.
India responded with 211 for four and achieved their target with five balls to spare. Man of the match Yuvraj, who also claimed three for 23 with his left-arm spin, was elated. "This is the best birthday of my life. It has come at a time when India had to win (else would have lost the T20 series). I have never got great scores on this ground so it was nice to break the jinx. Indeed, it is a special moment," he said.
Saturday's super show must have been doubly satisfying considering talk about him losing the Kings XI Punjab captaincy to Kumar Sangakkara.
ADVERTISEMENT
After the disappointment of losing the toss, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni witnessed a nightmarish fielding performance as five catches were dropped and 17 runs were conceded through wides.
"It also started with my fielding in Nagpur but this (dropping catches) is not on. We just have to hold on to those chances," Yuvraj said.
Gautam Gambhir and Sehwag gave India a firm start with a 58-run stand. Sehwag's role in the win can never be underestimated. He hit seven fours and three sixes to crush the confidence of the Lankans.u00a0 Another vital factor was Yuvraj and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's (46 in 28 balls) 80-run stand in just 36 balls. Dhoni's 28-ball innings was studded with three fours and two sixes.
Yuvraj finished the game with a six off Angelo Matthews. He smashed five sixes in all. Someone suggested he be called Sixer King. After all, he hit England's Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over during the 2007 World T20 in South Africa. However, the title did not earn the Punjab man's approval. "Sixer King is not a good name," he said much to the amusement of the media gathering.
Yuvraj acknowledged the efforts of coach Gary Kirsten in helping him get back to rhythm. "He's the best coach I have played under," he said.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
