119 – VIRENDER SEHWAG
vs. Pakistan, Karachi, 2008
The 2008 Asia Cup was held in Pakistan and it saw a big clash in India taking on hosts Pakistan in the 5th match of the tournament in Karachi.
Pakistani captain Shoaib Malik won the toss and chose to bat first in the National Stadium, Karachi. Malik also led from the front, scoring 125 in 119 balls and with Younis Khan’s 59, Pakistan managed to put up 299/4 on the board.
With Sachin Tendulkar out of the tournament, the opening responsibility fell on the shoulders of Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. Iftikhar Anjum had Gambhir caught by Misbah for 9, but Virender Sehwag continued in his dominating fashion.
Along with Suresh Raina, who thumped 84 runs in 69 balls with 10 fours and 3 sixes, Sehwag added 198 runs for the second wicket, to put India in the driver’s seat.
Sehwag plundered each and every Pakistani bowler and completed his 50 off 46 balls and went on to score a brilliant hundred in just 80 balls. India chased down the total easily in 42.1 overs with Sehwag making 119 in 95 balls with 12 fours and 5 sixes, before being dismissed.
His innings was a terrific one, given that India was playing Pakistan in their own backyard.
Here is the video of the innings:
