The wait of a World Cup triumph finally ended after 28 long years when MS Dhoni led India miraculously lifted the title in 2011. There were many heroes for India in that World Cup campaign including some budding stars like Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, etc. but the architect of India’s triumph was none other than the stylish left-hander Yuvraj Singh. His consistency throughout the tournament made India’s World Cup chase remarkably easy.
24th March 2011 could well be remembered for a yet another Yuvraj Singh classics which came against one of his favorite opponents Australia.
After dominating in the group stage of the World Cup, where India lost a solitary game to South Africa, India paved their way into the quarter-finals where they were set to face the mighty Aussies who were chasing their 5th World Cup triumph. But, Yuvraj Singh tarnished all hopes of Australia and almost single-handedly took India into the semifinals.
After winning the toss, Australia were asked to bat first on a dry Motera surface. Skipper Ricky Ponting who had an ordinary outing till this match came back strongly with a magnificent 104 off 118 deliveries which included 7 fours and a six.
He got an able ally early on in the form of wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin who mustered 53 off 62 deliveries and was involved in a 70-run stand Along with his skipper. Some late blitz from David Hussey ensured Australia got to a respectable 260 after 50 overs.
India’s reply was on course as a cautious start despite an early loss of Virender Sehwag kept things in place. However, when the required rate was climbing up a Yuvraj Singh special was alarming and the swashbuckling left-hander responded with an unbeaten 57 off 65 deliveries which included 8 fours.
His merry run in the World Cup continued with this essential knock which also was his fourth fifty of the competition which also demolished Australia’s hopes of a semifinal spot for the third consecutive time. This certainly was one of the most priceless innings of Yuvraj Singh’s glorious cricketing career.