Dinesh Karthik Birthday: Recalling DK's match-winning knock in India's first-ever T20I

Dinesh Karthik turned 37 on Wednesday (June 1) and wishes are pouring in from different corners. The wicketkeeper-batter, who enjoyed a prolific IPL 2022, has been recalled to the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. The RCB man, who is famously remembered for his last over heroics against Bangladesh in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final, was also the hero for the Indian team in their first-ever T20I match.

Karthik scored an impressive 330 runs in this year’s IPL and his pyrotechnics in the latter stages of the innings saw him donning the role of the finisher. The man from Tamil Nadu has been around for quite some time and was even part of the Indian team which faced South Africa in their first-ever T20I match in 2006.

On his birthday, let’s revisit Karthik’s crucial knock in India’s first-ever T20I match.

South Africa, led by Graeme Smith, opted to bat first after winning the toss. The Indian pace duo of Zaheer Khan and Ajit Agarkar shared four wickets between them, conceding just 25 runs. South Africa’s innings was in tatters until Albie Morkel (27 off 18 balls) hit some lusty blows to take their total to a fighting 126/9.

A 21-year-old Dinesh Karthik sealed the win for India

India’s chase didn’t start well as they lost Sachin Tendulkar (10) early in the innings. But skipper Virender Sehwag (34 off 29 balls) and Dinesh Mongia (38 off 45 balls) consolidated for the Blues. India looked well on track to chase South Africa’s modest total but a couple of quick wickets of Sehwag and MS Dhoni (0) had the Indian dressing room nervous.

A 21-year-old Karthik then joined Mongia at the crease. The then youngster played some fluent shots and steadied the ship for the Blues. But, after the departure of Mongia, the momentum shifted in favour of the Proteas. With nine runs required from the final over, Smith tossed the ball to Robin Peterson.

Karthik slog swept the left-arm spinner for a magnificent six over deep midwicket and saw the game through from thereon as India chased the score to win a thrilling match. Karthik was awarded the Player-of-the-Match trophy for his impressive batting display in the contest.