Former Indian speedster Zaheer Khan praised Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting how Yadav’s ability to strike shots across the field challenges bowlers in executing their strategies.
During India’s third T20I against South Africa, Suryakumar Yadav made headlines by equalling a T20I record with his fourth century, contributing a blistering 100 runs from 56 balls. Opting to bat first, SKY’s captain’s knock powered India to a commanding total of 201/7, striking seven boundaries and eight sixes. Zaheer Khan, lauding Yadav’s performance, highlighted the batter’s ability to play shots across the field, making it challenging for bowlers to devise effective strategies. Khan highlighted Yadav’s skill in targeting various sides of the ground, especially with his proficiency in manipulating the field and finding gaps, rendering the execution of bowling plans challenging in the T20 format.
“He is building a reputation for himself and there is no doubt about that. He has got shot-making ability all across the ground and that makes it very difficult for bowlers. When you are able to hit one side of the pitch, then as a bowler you always have a chance in this format with the field restrictions,” Zaheer Khan said to Crizbuzz.
“But when you have a batter like Surya, who can hit the ball to long on, midwicket, hit sixes over covers and uses the pace by opening the face of the bat nicely, it’s tough for bowlers. He picks his fielders, picks his spots and once he is on song and that kind of a zone, it’s never going to be easy for bowlers to execute their plans,” he added.
SKY achieved a record-breaking milestone, securing four T20I centuries in just 57 innings, becoming the fastest player to reach this feat. His remarkable achievement tied him with Rohit Sharma and Glenn Maxwell for the most T20I centuries. Notably, he holds the highest number of T20I tons batting at No. 3 or below.
India defended their substantial target of 202, restricting South Africa to a mere 95 runs, clinching victory by 106 runs and squaring the series 1-1. Kuldeep Yadav led the bowling charge with a five-wicket haul, aided by Ravindra Jadeja’s two wickets, while Mukesh Kumar and Arshdeep Singh contributed one wicket each. Suryakumar’s stellar performance earned him both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series titles.
Last Updated on December 15, 2023
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