Zaheer became a key Indian cricketer during high-stake matches because of his extraordinary ability to swing the ball according to his will. His brilliance during the 2011 World Cup and the 2002/03 Champions Trophy is something still fresh in people’s minds, along with his contribution to winning the ACC Asia Cup in the year 2010. Amongst all this and more, let’s take a look at Zaheer’s special day through some of his most iconic moments with Team India.

2011 World Cup: Emerged As The Star Bowler

He was the thorn in the flesh of all rival batters during the 2011 World Cup. Playing at home, the top pacer finished as joint-wicket-taker in the tournament along with Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi. He took 21 wickets in nine matches during the tournament where India won its second World Cup. Zaheer’s brilliant performance propped up the team for their triumphant campaign.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma Or MS Dhoni: Shivam Dube’s Response Leaves Kapil Sharma Stunned

Champions Trophy 2002/03: 2nd Highest-Wicket Taker

Zaheer Khan achieved another great success more than two decades ago in the 2002/03 Champions Trophy. The Indian pacer finished second highest wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming eight wickets in five matches. He shared this second position with Australia’s Glenn McGrath and Zimbabwe’s Douglas Hondo. Zaheer’s fine performances were essential for India in tieing with the hosts of the tournament, Sri Lanka.

Masterclass Batting Against Bangladesh

Zaheer Khan made a huge impact with the bat when he batted during India’s first Test against Bangladesh in 2004. Not being a pure batter, Zaheer had made quite a significant contribution for India in their first innings when he scored explosive 115 off 75 balls and helped India reach a commanding total of 526. Zaheer and Tendulkar combined with Sachin Tendulkar to finally add up a partnership of 133 runs together, and this is yet regarded as India’s highest 10th-wicket partnership in the Test history.

4 Consecutive Sixes Against Zimbabwe

Zaheer Khan proved his batting skills in an innings that will be remembered when he let loose on Henry Olonga in 2000 during a five-match ODI series where Zimbabwe toured India.
The Indians were struggling at 258/8 after 49.2 overs and Zaheer launched into beast mode at the Zimbabwean bowler, hammering four consecutive sixes of the last four balls of the innings in an astonishing rescue for India.

IND Vs NZ: Five Wicket Haul In Final Test

It was in 2014 that Zaheer Khan bid Test cricket a memorable farewell with his last game against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Zaheer gave a great account of himself as he even took five Kiwi wickets back. All was not well, though, as India could not see through to a win as the match went to a draw. Zaheer, therefore, retired with an impressive total of 311 Test wickets for India.

Zaheer Khan’s Bowling Record

Tests- He has played 92 matches and has bagged 311 wickets.

ODIs- In 200 matches, he has 282 wickets.

T20Is- He has not made a lot of appearance in T20Is but in 17 Matches, he has 17 wickets.

Also Read: IND Vs BAN, 1st T20I: A Message From Gautam Gambhir That Did Wonders For Mayank Yadav

Yuvraj Singh’s Special Wish For Zaheer Khan

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh sent across a Happy Birthday wish to his 2011 ODI World Cup teammate Zaheer Khan in an emotional touch through a sweet Marathi song that captured the hearts of thousands on social media. As Zaheer turned 46 years old, Yuvraj showed snippets from some of Zaheer’s exceptional performances in Indian cricket.

Happy birthday cookie 🍪 monster 👹 hope you aren’t stealing someone’s cookies on your birthday 🤪 loads of love brother! Hope you have an amazing and blessed year ahead ❤️🤗 @ImZaheer pic.twitter.com/udep2enfdS

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 7, 2024

To celebrate his moment, Yuvraj chose to use the superhit Marathi song “Taamdi Chaamdi” accompanying the video. This added another layer of happiness to the celebration. Humor mixed with nostalgia striked right into the hearts of fans as they appreciated the bonding of these two cricket legends.