Birthday special: Albie Morkel -Top 3 performances in international cricket
Albie Morkel was one of the most destructive finishers in the T20 format during his prime and he came into the South African set up at first as more of a bowling all-rounder. However, he went on to show more of his batting skills as well and was quite handy with the new ball.
Morkel played one Test, 58 ODIs and 50 T20 internationals from the period of 2004 to 2015. He excelled quite brilliantly in the T20I format and had a splendid IPL career as well. Morkel turns 43 today (June 10). Here’s a look into his top three performances in international cricket.
97 against Zimbabwe, Harare
South Africa had a long list of all-rounders in their side, however, they played Morkel as a number three batter in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2007. After winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat first and Morkel came to the crease in the 9th over. He went on to build a big partnership alongside AB de Villiers and scored a valiant 97 off just 104 deliveries. The left-hander hit eight fours and four sixes in his innings and it was his highest score in international cricket.
4 for 29 against Bangladesh, Mirpur
In 2008, Morkel stepped up for the Proteas with an outstanding bowling spell and missed out a five-wicket haul as well. The right-arm seamer finished with 4 for 29 in his eight overs and it included two maidens as well. His brilliant spell restricted Bangladesh to just 143 on the board and South Africa chased down the target quite comfortably as well.
3 for 12 against India, Cuttack
In the 2015 tour to India, Morkel was towards the final stages of his international career and he bowled an impactful spell to help the Proteas win against India. Morkel came in as the fifth bowler and returned with figures of 3 for 12 in his four overs and picked up the important wicket of MS Dhoni as well. He was adjudged the player of the match as India were all out for 92 in the first innings.
