Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, recently thought back on his three greatest cricketing moments. The former left-arm pacer, who contributed significantly to some of India’s most memorable victories, recounted his fondest memories that he will always treasure.
Pathan’s performance in the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup final was one of his best moments. In Johannesburg, India, captained by MS Dhoni, took on bitter rivals Pakistan. Pathan bowled a game-winning effort in the match, ending with statistics of 3 for 16 in his four overs.
His stint, which held Pakistan to 152 while chasing 158, was pivotal in India’s exciting five-run triumph. Notably, the all-rounder claimed the crucial wickets of Yasir Arafat, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Malik, in that order. He deservedly won Man of the Match for this performance.
“First, the T20 World Cup victory. The highest is that. Because I won the Man of the Match in that,” Pathan stated during the #AskIrfan segment on his YouTube channel.
The 40-year-old’s second greatest memory is from India’s historic 2008 Test victory in Perth. After a contentious Sydney Test, the Anil Kumble-led team was under tremendous strain, and there were rumours that the tourists would decide to cancel the tour. Nevertheless, the team rallied and put on an incredible display to upset Australia at the WACA, their home field.
Watch Irfan Pathan’s viral YouTube QnA video here:
India’s famous 2008 Test victory in Perth
Pathan also gave an outstanding all-around performance in that test. He scored 76 runs and took five wickets during the game, including a vital 46 in the second innings while batting at number three. He was named Man of the Match for his influence with the bat and the ball.
“The second was when I triumphed in the Perth Test match. That was truly unique. Since beating Australia is the goal in Australia. The Man of the Match is being brought there. In Perth, at that. They live in Perth. That, then, was my favourite period. And what took place before to that? Pathan went on.
“A lot of debate around it. We might return, it seemed. The 2007–08 season will be discontinued in India when they return. Thus, there was a great deal of disagreement. At last, a decision was made. Anil Kumble did an excellent job as a leader. He assembled the group,” he continued.
“As a strong leader, Sachin Tendulkar was also present and brought the squad together. Dravid Rahul. The elderly all gathered. And we all fought together. The Perth Test match was won by us. That, then, was my second favourite moment,” he added.
An unforgettable debut—the start of Pathan’s adventure
The cricket player from Baroda’s final selection was his 2003 Adelaide Test debut for India. In just his third over as a 19-year-old playing international cricket, Pathan got rid of the dangerous Matthew Hayden from a side that included cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. After 21 years, the visitors achieved a historic victory over Australia, despite the fact that he only claimed one wicket during the match.
“The initial one. “The first love,” you know. the initial instructor. All the first stuff, you know. You never forget that. My first game. It was my first game. the Adelaide game we played. I only had one wicket. I also missed a catch. Ricky Ponting’s. It was ten to fifteen. He received a score of 200. However, we prevailed in the game. And after twenty-one years at that. The former all-rounder said, “In Adelaide.”
“Now, in 2003–04, I made my debut. and triumphed after 21 years. I believed that I was the reason I prevailed. since I was fortunate. It’s what a child believes. I was a child of nineteen. Thus, my fave moment is this one. But most importantly. Your headgear, you know. It’s yours first.
That’s the most crucial thing. Because I wouldn’t have won the World Cup if it hadn’t been there. I wouldn’t have won the Test match in Perth if I hadn’t won the World Cup. In addition to this, I have one more item to say. In my career, I have always taken a wicket in the first, second, or third delivery whenever I bowled with the new ball. Thus, I enjoyed every moment,” Pathan said.
India
