10 Unforgettable performances that ended in defeats
Cricket is a team sport but there are instances when an individual performance steels the show. However, it doesn't always end up in a winning cause.
9. Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 103 vs South Africa (2005)
The left-handed batter played his team out of several precarious situations during his illustrious career. South Africa and India faced off in the first of the five-match ODI series in Hyderabad on November 16, 2005. The tourists had a lethal pace attack comprising Shaun Pollock, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel, and Charl Langeveldt. Against a quality seam-bowling attack, India lost five wickets for just 35 runs.
Yuvraj Singh, who came in at No. 5, showed great resilience and notched up a gritty 103 off 122 balls. The Punjab batter found support from the likes of Irfan Pathan (46) and Harbhajan Singh (37*) as India recovered miraculously to reach 249/9 in 50 overs. At one point, not many would have backed the Rahul Dravid-led side to bat out the entire 50 overs, let alone get to a competitive score.
India fought well with the ball in hand. However, an 84-run stand between Jacques Kallis and Justin Kemp helped the Proteas win by five wickets and seven balls to spare. Yuvraj, however, was awarded the Player of the Match for his breathtaking knock.
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