Birthday special: Sunil Gavaskar – 5 best knocks of the Little Master
Sunil Gavaskar was the lone hero of the Indian batting lineup during his playing days. In an illustrious career that spanned 16 years, the batting legend scored 10122 runs in Test cricket from 125 Test matches at an average of 51.12. He plundered 34 centuries and 45 half-centuries as well.
Gavaskar featured in 108 ODI matches for India as well and plundered 3092 runs at an average of 35.14. With the batting gladiator turning 74 today, let us take a look at the top 5 knocks from Gavaskar in international cricket.
5) 102 vs West Indies (Tests)
Sunil Gavaskar’s classic 102 against the West Indies at Port of Spain helped India chase down their highest ever target in a Test match. West Indies scored 359 in the first innings, and India replied with a total of 228. The West Indies side declared their second innings with their scorecard reading 271/6 and set India a target of 403 for victory.
Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath scored centuries for India in the second innings, as India produced a magical performance and stunned the West Indies, winning the match with 6 wickets to spare. This is the 3rd highest successful run chase in Test cricket history.
4) 103* (88) vs New Zealand (World Cup 1987)
Sunil Gavaskar’s blazing 103* at the top of the order against New Zealand helped India score a famous win over the Kiwis in the 1987 World Cup. The Blackcaps batted first and posted a total of 221 runs. In reply, Kris Srikkanth and Gavaskar put on a rollicking opening stand of 136 runs. Gavaskar stayed till the end, scored a century, and helped the Indian side wallop their opposition with 9 wickets to spare.
3) 236* vs West Indies (Tests)
At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Sunil Gavaskar took on a menacing West Indian bowling attack consisting of the likes of Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, and Michael Holding and scored a 425-ball 236. His double century helped India post a total of 451 on the board in reply to the West Indies’ total of 313 in the first innings.
The West Indies ended their second innings with their scorecard reading 64/1, and the match ended in a draw. Gavaskar walked away with the Player of the Match award.
2) 166 vs Pakistan (Tests)
Sunil Gavaskar’s 373-ball 166 against Pakistan helped the Indian side beat their opponents with 10 wickets to spare. Pakistan batted first and posted a total of 272 on the board. Gavaskar led India’s charge and scored a patient and flawless ton, helping his side to a total of 430. Pakistan was bowled out for 233 in the second innings, and India chased down the target of 76 set by them with ease.
1) 220 vs West Indies (Tests)
The greatest knock from the willow of Sunil Gavaskar came during his debut Test series against the West Indies in the year 1971. India batted first and posted a total of 360 on the board, with Gavaskar scoring a century. The West Indies decimated the Indian bowling attack and scored 526 in the first innings.
Sunil Gavaskar stood like a rock in the second innings for the Indian side and scored 220. His sensational double ton helped India to a total of 427. The West Indies ended their second innings with their scorecard reading 165/8, and the match ended in a draw.
