Published: Feb 27, 2016, 07:35 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 27, 2016, 06:21 AM (IST)
With the spiciest of rivalries ready to spruce up the Asia Cup 2016 in the Twenty20 (T20) format, we take a look at some of the more entertaining innings through course of the tournament. It is important to note that all previous editions of the Asia Cup were played in the 50-over format. Here we look at Virender Sehwag‘s stellar 119, which eclipsed Shoaib Malik’s unbeaten 125 in the same game to take India home comfortably against their arch-rivals in a group stage match of the Asia Cup 2008. Sehwag played some classy strokes and as usual took the occasional risk. Live Cricket Scorecard: India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup T20 2016 Match 4 at Dhaka
He was assisted by Suresh Raina in the partnership that all but sealed the game for India. Sehwag got to 119 off just 95 balls even as Raina scored a 69-ball 84. It surely was a benign surface but Pakistan were absolutely out of ideas as to how to contain Sehwag after he came into full flourish. His knock of 119 was built around 17 boundaries; five of them being sixes.
Ultimately the partnership between the duo helped India past the target with as many as 7.5 overs to spare while still having six wickets in the kitty. It was a thorough thrashing of Pakistan’s bowling attack. Sehwag looked in prime touch that day. He played some elegant shots amid his bludgeoning hits. Raina’s contribution to the partnership can’t be forgotten. Sehwag was dropped and retired ever since, but Raina will seek to recreate some of that magic from the past.
India’s matches against Pakistan are always hot-sellers. When these two meet at big events, the entire world gets buzzing, hence these rivalries have produced some spectacular sights in the years gone by. Sehwag’s 119 will be remembered for a long time.
