WATCH: Irfan Pathan reveals 'three best' moments of his cricketing career

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently reflected on the three best moments of his cricketing career. The former left-arm pacer, who played an important role in some of India’s most historic wins, shared his favourite moments that he will cherish forever.

One of Pathan’s greatest achievements came in the final of the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007. India, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, faced arch-rivals Pakistan in Johannesburg. The clash saw Pathan deliver a match-winning bowling performance, finishing with figures of 3 for 16 in his four overs.

His spell played a crucial role in India’s thrilling five-run victory, restricting Pakistan to 152 while chasing 158. Notably, the all rounder took the key wickets of Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, and Yasir Arafat, respectively. This performance earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award.

"Firstly, winning the T20 World Cup. That is the highest. Because I got the Man of the Match in that," Pathan said on his YouTube channel during the #AskIrfan segment.

The 40-year-old’s second favourite moment came in India’s historic Test win at Perth in 2008. The Anil Kumble-led side was under immense pressure following a controversial Sydney Test, and there were talks of the tourists possibly abandoning the tour. However, the team regrouped and produced a spectacular performance to defeat Australia on their home turf at the WACA.

Watch Irfan Pathan's viral YouTube QnA video here:

India's iconic Test win at Perth in 2008

In that Test, Pathan also delivered a remarkable all-round performance. He picked up five wickets in the match and scored 76 runs, including a crucial 46 in the second innings while batting at No.3. His impact with both bat and ball earned him the Man of the Match award.

"Secondly, when I won the Test match in Perth. That was very special. Because in Australia, defeating Australia. Getting the Man of the Match there. And that too in Perth. Perth is their home. So, that was my favourite time. And what happened before that?" Pathan added.

"There was a lot of controversy. It was like, we might come back. India will come back and the 2007-08 series will be cancelled there. So, there was a lot of controversy there. Now, finally, it was decided. Anil Kumble played a very good leadership role. He gathered the team," he added.

"Sachin Tendulkar was also there, who was a big leader, so he gathered the team. Rahul Dravid. All those seniors got together. And we, as a group, fought. We won the Perth Test match. So, that was my second favourite moment," he further continued.

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A memorable debut - The beginning of Pathan’s journey

The Baroda-born cricketer’s last pick was his debut match for India, which came in 2003 during the Adelaide Test. Playing as a 19-year-old in a team featuring legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, Pathan dismissed the dangerous Matthew Hayden in just his third over in international cricket. Although he took only one wicket in the game, the visitors secured a famous win over Australia after 21 years.

"The first one. You know, the first love. The first teacher. You know, all the first things. You always remember that. My debut game. My first game. The one we played in Adelaide. I got only one wicket. I missed a catch, too. Ricky Ponting's. It was around 10-15. He scored 200. But we won the match. And that too after 21 years. In Adelaide," the former all rounder stated.

"Now, when I made my debut in 2003-04. And won after 21 years. I thought that I won because of myself. Because I was lucky. That's what a kid thinks. I was a 19-year-old kid. So, this is my favourite moment. But above all. You know, your cap. You get it first. That is the most important. Because if it wasn't there, then I wouldn't have won the World Cup. If I hadn't won the World Cup, then I wouldn't have won the Perth Test match. And apart from this, I would like to say one more thing. Whenever I used to bowl with the new ball, it has been in my career, in the first, second, or third ball, I always got a wicket. So, I liked all those moments," Pathan concluded.