We are used to seeing this lad rushing on the ball in the field to save some runs, picking up the ball to quickly run through overs while grabbing wickets, and chipping in with innings that are crucial for the side. Yes, it is our loved cricketer Suresh Raina who turns 33 today.
Here’s wishing @ImRaina a very happy birthday. May your birthday be as joyous as this joyful song ??#HappyBirthdayRaina pic.twitter.com/cpvVTJKZYK
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 27, 2019
Though we did not see much of him in the “blue jersey” these days Raina is doing well for his Ranji side Uttar Pradesh and his IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings with him being the 2nd highest run-scorer in IPL.
Wishing Gentleman Cricketer @ImRaina a Happy Birthday..
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) November 27, 2019
Wishing him a great year ahead.. 🙂 #HappyBirthdayRaina pic.twitter.com/sjtfrEeK5j
As we wish him wholeheartedly on this special day we thought why not revisit the joyous moment that Raina has given to the cricket lovers. You are absolutely right (as the title might have told you ? ) we would take a look back at some of the memorable innings of Raina. So, here we go.
81* Vs England, 2006
This was the arrival of Raina to the center stage of Indian cricket as a player to watch for. Chasing 227 India were five down with the scoreboard showing eight runs short of 100. With target still 135 runs away Raina took the charge.
He along with MS Dhoni stitched a 118 run partnership for the 6th wicket-taking India pass the finish line.
71* Vs Australia, 2010
This match saw hundreds from the bat of Michale Clarke and Virat Kholi making the encounter a high scoring clash. However, Raina’s innings was crucial in driving the results in India’s favor.
With the fall of Yuvraj India was 172/3 and was looking for someone to stand by Kholi to chase down the target of 290. Raina with his quick-fire 71* of 47 ensured that Kholi plays his natural game with no pressure and India cruises to victory with no hiccups.
101* Vs South Africa, 2010
The 2010 edition of the ICC World T20 in West Indies was a forgettable experience for the Indian side. The sole positive for India was Raina’s magnificent hundred against South Africa at the Gros Islet.
With the ton, Raina became the 1st Indian to score a T20I century and powered India to a 14 run victory helping them grab 2 points. Facing the likes of Dale Steyn, Jack Kallis and Morne Morkel Raina showed his class as a T20 specialist.
36* Vs Pakistan, 2011
This was not a fifty or hundred plus innings by Raina but it worth its weight in gold considering the time it came. The stage was the India vs Pakistan semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 at Mohali.
Batting first India was going good on back of Sachin’s Innings of 85. However, a comeback from Pakistan left India staring at a score of below 250. Raina chipped in with the lower order scoring a patient 36* taking India to a score of 260/9. India won that match by 29 runs and went on to lift the World Cup.
87 Vs KXIP, 2014
This can arguably be said as the most finest knock of Raina in his career. The innings came during the 2nd qualifier of 2014 season of IPL. Chasing a target of 227 set by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on the back of Sehwag’s brilliant 122, Chennai Superkings (CSK) needed some effort to entre the final.
With CSK 1/1 Raina switched into “Bhaubali” Avtar and smashed 87 of just 25 deliveries. Raina scored 12 boundaries and six 6s with a strike rate of whooping 348. The CSK lost the match but Raina’s innings went down as one of the memorable innings in the history of the IPL.
Also Read: 5 Memorable Innings Of King Kohli
