5 best moments of Irfan Pathan's International career

2. Pathan brothers to the rescue!

It was the only T20 of India’s Sri Lanka tour in 2009 and batting first, the Islanders registered an above par total of 171 for the loss of four wickets. Yusuf Pathan picked up two wickets in that game, giving away just 23 runs whilst Irfan Pathan was impressive with his 1/34.

The brothers of destruction were not satisfied with their bowling rendition and hence, came to haunt the Lankans with the bat as well. At 115/7 in 15 overs, India needed 57 runs off the last five overs with Yusuf and Irfan at the crease. Yusuf Pathan gave the early blitz in the partnership, smashing 2 sixes and a four in the 16th over.

The next two overs were very crucial as Malinga and Dilhara Fernando, the two premium Lankan bowlers were in operation. The batting duo did a fantastic job to accumulate 22 runs of these two overs which had just one boundary. Irfan then smashed a six and a four in the penultimate over which left only five runs to get in the final over.

Irfan hit the winning towards mid-wicket off Malinga and their 59-run partnership helped them replicate what they must’ve been dreaming for a long period of time. Hands down, this was the most amazing moment these two cricketers shared on the field. The elder of the Pathan brothers was adjudged Man of the Match, but the game belonged solely to their brotherhood.