Zaheer Khan was one of the finest fast bowlers India has ever seen. His genuine pace, consistently touching speeds close to 150 kmph, has always been a nightmare for the opposition. He also played a key role in India’s 2011 ODI World Cup winning campaign. in fact, the Maharashtra-born cricket was a key member of the Men in Blue in all formats of the game.
As the legendary pacer celebrates his 45th birthday, let’s take a look at his top three figures in the longest format of the game.
3. 5/34 vs Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2007
After being asked to bat first in the second Test of India’s tour of Bangladesh in 2007, India posted a massive first-innings total of 610 before declaring. The score was more than enough for India to beat Bangladesh twice as they were bowled out for 118 in reply. Zaheer Khan, who picked five wickets for 34 runs, was the wreaker in chief. Anil Kumble also shone with three wickets. India enforced follow-on and Bangladesh could manage just 253, resulting in India winning the match by 239 runs.
2. 5/29 vs New Zealand in Hamilton in 2002
Batting first in the 2002 Hamilton Test, India were in trouble after being bowled out for 99 runs. However, left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan stepped up and demolished New Zealand’s top order with his sheer pace and swing. The former World Cup winner went on to pick up five wickets by conceding just 29 runs, helping India bowl out their opponents for 94 runs. However, his brilliance went in vain as the Black Caps won the match by four wickets after poor second innings batting by the Men in Blue.
1. 7/87 vs Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2010
India’s pace sensation registered his best performance in Test cricket against Bangladesh in 2010. India gained a huge first-innings lead after bowling out Bangladesh for 233. During Bangladesh’s second innings, Zaheer ripped apart the home team’s batting line-up with a seven-wicket haul while giving away just 87 runs. India had to chase down just two runs in the final innings and they overcame it without losing a wicket.