Birthday special: Manoj Prabhakar – Top 3 performances in international cricket
Former India all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar will be celebrating his 60th birthday on April 15, 2023. The right-arm seamer made his international debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka on April 8, 1984, at Sharjah. The right-arm seamer went on to play 130 ODIs and 39 Tests for India, picking 157 and 96 wickets, respectively. He also scored 1600 and 1858 runs in Tests and ODIs respectively and made several vital contributions to the team’s victory. As Prabhakar turns 60, let’s take a look at the top three memorable performances of his career:
SL vs IND, 2nd Test Colombo, August 1993
During the second Test of the three-match series, Prabhakar put on a magnificent all-round display. Opening in the second innings, he scored 95 to help India set up a huge target for Sri Lanka. He also picked 3/43 in the first innings and 3/49 in the second to set up a massive 235-run victory for India. Prabhakar was awarded Player of the Match for his all-round show. India also ended up winning the series as the first and the last Test ended in a draw.
IND vs SL, 2nd ODI, February 1994
The Ghaziabad-born cricketer once again put up his terrific all-round show on display as he first picked up 5/35 to restrict Sri Lanka to 226/7 in the first innings and later scored 39 off 68 to give a 98-run opening stand along with Kapil Dev. As a result, India ended up chasing the target with 10 balls to spare. Prabhakar was once again deservedly awarded Player of the Match for his all-round display.
IND vs NZ, 2nd ODI, November 18 1995
After winning the toss, India captain Mohammad Azharuddin chose to bowl first and the decision was vindicated by Prabhakar, who ended up picking 5/33 to restrict NZ to 145. In reply, India ended up chasing the target in 43.4 overs and won the match by six wickets. Prabhakar once again bagged the Player of the Match award for his five-wicket haul.
