Birthday special: RP Singh – Top 3 spells in international cricket
RP Singh was probably, one of the most underrated seamers who had a big impact across a lot of tournaments. The left-arm seamer made his international debut in 2005 and went on to play 14 Tests, 58 ODIs, and 10 T20Is. He was exceptional with his ability to curl back the delivery into the right-hander and was a wicket-taking machine in the first two seasons of IPL. The Uttar Pradesh seamer is celebrating his 38th birthday on December 6, On the occasion, here are his top three spells in international cricket.
5 for 59, against England, 2007
In the first Test at the Lords against England in 2007, RP Singh bowled a sensational spell in the second innings and it was the only five-wicket haul in his international career. His efforts not only helped India to draw the Test, but also it led to a historic series victory for India in the England soil later. He managed to rattle through the defences of Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell in the same innings.
3 for 26 against Pakistan, 2007 T20 World Cup final
This was in the final of the 2007 T20 World Cup, when RP Singh ran through the batting order of Pakistan. He picked up the important wickets of Mohammad Hafeez and Kamran Akmal in the powerplay to stop the run flow. At the back end of the innings, Umar Gul was cleaned up by a yorker from RP Singh as his 3 for 26 played a big part in India’s title win.
4 for 13 against South Africa, 2007 T20 World Cup
RP Singh had a tremendous run in the 2007 T20 World Cup and he bowled a breath-taking spell in the Super eight stage against South Africa when India desperately needed a win. The left-arm seamer finished with 4 for 13 in his spell and dismantled the South African top-order completely. He swung the ball up front and came up with terrific yorkers at the back end of the innings.
