Happy Birthday Gautam Gambhir: Revisiting his top 5 knocks vs Pakistan in international cricket
Between 2008 and the 2011 World Cup, Gautam Gambhir was a key member of the team and made a name for himself as one of the most well-rounded batters in the sport. He was an opener for all seasons, all formats, a consistent run-maker and an aggressive option at the top, sometimes even overshadowing Virender Sehwag. At the same time, Gambhir could also be the resilient, "back-to-the-wall" innings player that would make Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman proud.
Much like Sachin Tendulkar did in the latter part of his career, Gautam Gambhir managed to accumulate runs without taking excessive risks. His contribution to Indian cricket remained remarkable, with over 10,000 runs in international cricket and two pivotal innings in World Cup finals. Additionally, his leadership led the Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles.
Here we take a look at Gautam Gambhir's top five knocks vs Pakistan in international cricket as he turns 42 today (October 14):
#5 57, Mohali - 2007
Pakistan was touring India in 2007 and this was the second match of the ODI series. Batting first, India posted a dominant 321 after the end of their 50 overs. The top order stepped up as Gautam Gambhir and Sachin Tendulkar blazed away to their respective fifties.
Gambhir added 57 runs for the second wicket and was involved in a 173-run stand with Sachin Tendulkar. However, Younis Khan was in his elements as he cracked a ton and Pakistan chased down this total in the final over.
#4 57, Centurion, 2009
Pakistan completely outplayed India in this key Champions Trophy match in Centurion back in 2009. Batting first, Pakistan posted 302 in their first innings, courtesy a century by Shoaib Malik.
India never got going in their chase as only two batters managed to cross 50. While Rahul Dravid top scored with 76, Gautam Gambhir, too, fought it out with a gutsy 57.
#3 83, Dambulla, 2010
India made it to the final of the 2010 Asia Cup by securing a thrilling win over Pakistan in Dambulla. The match saw India in a commanding position as Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni put on a partnership of 98 runs chasing 267 runs.
However, they collapsed from 180-2 to 219-6. In the end, with just four wickets remaining, they needed 16 runs from the last two overs. Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh managed to get the side over the line. Gambhir was adjudged the Player of the Match since he laid the perfect platform along with his captain and top scored with 83 runs.
#2 62, Mirpur, 2008
Pakistan's remarkable 12-match winning streak came to a screeching halt with this loss to India by 140 runs. India was dominant right from the word go - Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir capitalized on some subpar Pakistan fielding and came within four runs of India's highest opening partnership against Pakistan.
While Sehwag raced away to 89, Gambhir gave him great support with a measured and aggressive 62 off 62 deliveries. Yuvraj Singh have the final flourish as India ended on 330. Pakistan never really got going in the chase and were reduced to 26 for 3 and the game was all but gone.
#1 75, Johannesburg, 2007
In 2007, India took on Pakistan in the final of the inaugural World T20. However, the Pakistan bowlers were on song and never allowed the Indian batting to race away with the game. This was when Gautam Gambhir waged a fight and kept hitting the crucial boundaries. He top scored with 75 and when he was dismissed, India were at 130/5.
He scored his runs at a decent pace, and hit 8 fours and 2 sixes and this was one reason why India posted 157 which was just enough to clinch the title.