Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Indian National Cricket Team
Irfan Pathan (L) and Yusuf Pathan. (Credits - Twitter)

Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan, on Tuesday, rolled back the clocks by delivering a stunning all round performance against Sri Lanka Legends in the ongoing Road Safety World Series. He picked up the wicket of Romesh Kaluwitharana before scoring a whirlwind fifty to propel India Legends to a five-wicket win.

Chasing 139, India Legends got off to the worst possible start as the side lost Sachin Tendulkar (0) in the very first over of the innings. Soon after, Virender Sehwag (3) and Yuvraj Singh (1) were sent back to the pavilion, reducing India to 19/3 in the fifth over.

Mohammad Kaif and Sanjay Bangar then stopped the rot by putting on 43 runs for the fourth wicket. But they failed to put the team in a safe position as their stand came to an end in the 11th over as Rangana Herath dismissed Bangar (18). With 58 runs required from 34 balls, Kaif (46) also gave away his wicket.

Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan (Credits: ESPNCricinfo)

Sri Lanka Legends were well on top before Irfan Pathan decided to take the matters in his own hands. The left-handed batsman, who retired from all forms of game earlier this year, took the bowlers to the cleaners and reached his fifty off 29 balls. He eventually remained unbeaten on 57 off 21 balls.

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In the 19th over, he hit Tillakaratne Dilshan for three consecutive fours and then a single to take India Legends over the line. Irfan Pathan’s knock was studded with six fours and three huge sixes. He found a good ally in Manpreet Gony as the two put up an unbeaten partnership of 58 runs.

Yusuf Pathan reacts:

Irfan Pathan’s performance drew praise not only from the fans but also from his elder brother and former India allrounder Yusuf Pathan. Impressed with his younger brother’s impressive display, Yusuf Pathan took to Twitter to lavish praise on him.

“What a knock under pressure @IrfanPathan !!! Loved watching your batting, especially those sixes coming off your bat… Also, well done with the ball… Brilliant all-round performance..,” wrote Yusuf Pathan.