Top 5 Kevin Pietersen knocks in international cricket
Kevin Pietersen's (commonly known as KP) career was full of controversies, but, he will go down as one of the greatest England players of the 21st century. He had a swagger, which he carried both on and off the field.
The South African-born player made his debut for England in 2004 in an ODI against Zimbabwe. But it was the 2005 Ashes series that proved to be the launch pad for Pietersen’s career. Pietersen was a player, who was in the opposition’s face all the time. He was one England batsman, bowlers hated bowling at.
However, after a poor Ashes series in 2013/14 Down Under, he was axed from the team and never returned as the differences between the right-hander and the England Cricket Board kept growing. He continued to play County cricket, and in various T20 leagues around the world.
On March 16, 2018 (Friday), a day after Quetta Gladiators crashed out of the PSL playoff race, Kevin Pietersen announced his retirement and tweeted “BOOTS UP! Thank you!”
Thus, let’s have a look back at 5 best knocks by Pietersen.
#5 47 vs Australia (2010) – T20I
A lot of people might argue that Kevin Pietersen has played better T20I knocks in his career, but the significance of this 47-run innings was huge.
England had never won an ICC tournament. They had reached three World Cup finals and a Champions Trophy final but failed to win any of them. In the 2010 World T20, England started off with a loss to the West Indies but gained momentum towards the end of the tournament.
Pietersen had scored 201 runs in 5 games at an average of 67 in the tournament. In the final, England bowlers bowled very well and restricted Australia to 147. It was a final of an ICC tournament, Australia had put runs on the board and at 7/1, England looked a little nervous.
However, Pietersen strode out to the middle and stroked a brilliant 47 off 31 deliveries to ease off the pressure. He gave good company to Craig Kieswetter (who top-scored with 63) as they shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket. Pietersen’s 47 comprised of 4 fours and a six as he helped England lift their first-ever ICC title. He was also named the Man of the Tournament for his consistent performances.