5 Most impactful performances by Yusuf Pathan in International cricket

2. 105 off 70 vs South Africa, 2011

That it came in a losing cause does not take anything away from the sheer brilliance that Yusuf Pathan had shown at the bouncy track of Centurion. In a series equally poised on 2-2, the 5th ODI at Centurion was the decider. In stark contrast to South Africa’s centurion of the match – Hashim Amla – whose 116 from 132 led them to 250/9, Pathan nearly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat after his side that looked blown at 119/8.

Pathan plundered 8 sixes and as many fours, taking the attack to the opposition through a 100-run ninth-wicket partnership, of which Zaheer Khan only made 13. Despite having controlled the game for the majority part, South Africa was under a mighty scare as long as his carnage lasted.

He eventually perished for 105, failing to evade a loss, however, on a day when no other batsmen from the Indian order stood up, Pathan’s rescue was the stuff of warriors.