Image Credit- Hindustan Times
ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will always be a special world cup for the Indians. After all India lifted the coveted trophy after 28 long years. It is also interesting to note that by doing so India became the first ever host to win this major trophy. There were many heroes because of whom we were able to lift the biggest trophy of world cricket. As a result it will be wrong to point out just one name because of whom we won the cup. However the impact which Zaheer Khan had in this tournament is often under noticed. Zaheer Khan was the leading wicket taker of the tournament. He picked up 21 wickets in 9 games with an economy rate of just 4.83. The stats itself shows how good he was in that world cup. But, stats don't tell you the impact he had in each and every game.
His spell against England will always be remembered and cherished by the Indian cricket fans. At one stage, England were cruising in for a comfortable victory against the hosts. However Zaheer Khan came in from nowhere and picked up 3 quick wickets of Strauss, Bell and Collingwood. By doing so he brought back India back into the game. It is pertinent to note that Strauss and Bell were well set on the pitch. Bell was batting on 69. Whereas Strauss was batting on 158. As a result everyone lost hope that India can ever make a comeback in this game. However Zaheer turned everything upside down and helped Indians tie that game.
It was a regular phenomenon in the world cup that whenever India needed a wicket the captain handed the ball to Zaheer and Zaheer delivered every single time.
Without him it would have been impossible for us to lift that cup. Thank You ZAK for all the memories.
To watch Zaheer's 2011 World Cup performance, click here.
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