5 Most memorable spells by Zaheer Khan - The swing maestro

5 Most memorable spells by Zaheer Khan – The swing maestro: Few bowlers in the history of Indian cricket had more control on their craft as Zaheer Khan, who certainly was the finest exponent of left-arm pace bowling that the country has ever produced. What numbers alone would not be able to reveal is his ability to be a genuine match-winner in all conditions. Subtle changes of wrist position, stunning weaponry and exemplary control, were his attributes. Zaheer retired from all international cricket today. India’s own ‘Wasim Akram’ gave us many moments to cherish with the fantastic execution of his masterful skill on the field. It is only just that we revisit those magical spells of bowling. Here are the 5 Most memorable spells by Zaheer Khan – The swing maestro: 1. 9/134, v England Trent Bridge, 2007: India had somehow managed to draw the first Test at Lord’s and Zaheer Khan dealt a serious blow to the hosts in the second Test at Trent Bridge. He took four wickets in the first innings which included the big scalps of Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan and Ian Bell. In the second innings, Zak took a fifer, this time he dismissed Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell. India won the match by seven wickets and went on to win a memorable series by a 1-0 margin under the leadership of Rahul Dravid. 2. 3/64 v England, 2011 World Cup: This was certainly a Zaheer special. Although the speedster took just three wickets in the match played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, it was a game changing spell. Playing against England India had posted 338 on the board in their World Cup league match in 2011. Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell were running away with proceedings in the chase. Coming on in the 43rd over, the left-armer dismissed both in consecutive deliveries to dent the England chase and then in the 45th over he knocked over Paul Collingwood. India tied the nail biting clash and got one vital point from the game. 3. 5/94 v Australia, Mohali, 2010: Zaheer Khan. (© Getty Images) In the prime of his career, Zaheer Khan had some memorable outings against the Aussies. Looking to win the series in India, Zaheer Khan rocked the visitors in Mohali with a superb effort of 5/94 in the first Test. India went on to win the match narrowly thanks to VVS Laxman’s heroics and his historic partnership with Ishant Sharma. 4. 4 for 42 v New Zealand, 2003 World Cup: It was the Super Six stages of the World Cup, quarterfinals to say the least and Zaheer pushed New Zealand on to the back-foot right from the word ‘go’ after Ganguly won the toss and elected to field. He ended with 4 for 42 as New Zealand were bundled out for 146 which India chased easily. Just before the 2003 World Cup, the Kiwis had humiliated India in New Zealand by a 5-2 margin in a seven-match series and this was sweet revenge. 5. 5 for 95 v Australia, Brisbane 2003: In the series opener at Brisbane, Zaheer Khan grabbed a five-for. He dismissed Mathew Hayden with a perfect out-swinger and then surprised Ricky Ponting with a perfect short ball. Australia resumed the day on 262 for two and lost seven wickets for 61 runs in 16 overs. India lost that game despite his heroics and Sourav Ganguly’s fabulous ton. Zaheer, however, went on to miss the series due to an injury.

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5 Most memorable spells by Zaheer Khan - The swing maestro

3. 5/94 v Australia, Mohali, 2010:

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