Dec. 8: For more than two years and 41 matches, Yusuf Pathan had been very quiet with the willow. Known for his destructive ability on the domestic scene, Pathan had not been able to reproduce it on the international arena.
But the burly Pathan broke his silence with such ferocity that his maiden ton will be talked for years to come — just for its brutality. Prior to Tuesday, coming in at No. 6, Pathan seldom got an opportunity to settle down. Tipped as being only good for the T20 format, Yusuf showed that the effect of his pyrotechnics is the same in the 50-over version.
Add his three crucial wickets to this century and the selectors have a genuine all-rounder for the World Cup. When Pathan walked in after 19.3 overs, he knew he had overs to spare before having a go at the bowling.
“Fortunately for me there was lots of time to prove myself. I sensed that this was an opportunity to play a long innings. Even Rohit Sharma and Saurabh Tiwary rotated the strike well and we kept in touch with the run rate and always stayed in the chase,” said the senior Pathan. “Never at any stage did I feel we were going to lose the game. I am happy that we won the match,” said Pathan after he left the Kiwis dumbstruck.
“I am very happy to score my first century. I am happier because we won the match and the fact that we are leading 4-0 in the series gives me great pleasure,” he added.
Pathan unleashed his drives and pulls with such ferocity that the four fielders in the outfield were mere spectators as the cherry sailed over their heads or past them time and again.
“Gautam Gambhir was telling me to utilise the Power Play to good effect. He advised me not to throw away my wicket at any stage. He told me that if I stayed till the end, I would win the match for India and I am glad I proved him right,” said the 28-year-old.
This was an important series for Pathan as it was his last chance to prove himself as a genuine match-winner. “I have worked a lot on my bowling. Whenever I have got an opportunity to bowl, I have tried to be as economical as possible. I am happy it is coming through and that I am also getting wickets now,” Pathan pointed out.