Birthday special: Shikhar Dhawan – Top 3 knocks in international cricket
India’s veteran opening batter Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the most consistent batters in the 50-over format. With over 10000 runs to his name for India, the southpaw was one of the vital cogs in the batting lineup. On his birthday today, here are some of his memorable knocks.
137 against South Africa, 2015
The iconic MCG hosted the 13th World Cup clash between India and South Africa in 2015. The Men in Blue, led by the inspirational MS Dhoni, batted first in the contest. India lost their flamboyant opener, Rohit Sharma, for a duck in the initial stages of the match. However, his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan stepped in for the Indian side, registering a swashbuckling 137 off just 146 deliveries. His knock propelled India to a competitive score of 307 runs. India won the match by a comfortable margin of 130 runs, and the southpaw was named the player of the match for his tremendous batting effort.
190 against Sri Lanka, 2017
India travelled to Galle for the first Test match of the series against hosts Sri Lanka in 2017. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first in the series opener. Although India lost opener Abhinav Mukund cheaply, his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan was in inspired form, dispatching the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground. Dhawan’s scintillating 190 off just 168 deliveries propelled them to a massive total of 600 runs. The islanders were second-best for the entirety of the match and eventually lost the game by a whopping 304 runs.
187 against Australia, 2013
There aren’t many Indian cricketers that made a better debut than Shikhar Dhawan in red-ball cricket as the southpaw roared on the scene with a majestic ton against the Aussies. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in the third and decisive Test match of the series. The visitors compiled a more than decent total of 408 in their first innings. However, their total was made to look timid when Shikhar Dhawan slew the Australian bowlers on his way to 187 runs off just 174 deliveries. India eventually won the match by six wickets, claiming a memorable series victory.
