Suryakumar Yadav continued his sublime form with the bat as he brought up yet another half-century in the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar, popularly called SKY by his fans and cricket pundits, smashed 61 runs in just 25 balls against Zimbabwe at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday, November 6.
The 32-year-old played the role of the enforcer and took India’s total to 186/5. During his unbeaten knock, he smashed four sixes and six fours and entertained a nearly-packed MCG. He hit 21 runs in the last over bowled by left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava to end India’s innings on a high.
Spectators were in complete awe of SKY as he brought the curtains down at the MCG with his unorthodox cricketing shots.
Here’s the video:
Suryakumar Yadav 🇮🇳 61* off 25
+ Three of the most ridiculous cricket shots you’ll ever see to end the Indian innings 🤯 #T20WorldCup @BCCI pic.twitter.com/cd0lEDH52w
— Sam Tugwell (@samtugwell_15) November 6, 2022
In the process, Suryakumar also became the first Indian player to complete 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year and only the second batter overall after Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan in 2021.
Just four days ago, Suryakumar moved up to the number one position in the ICC rankings, surpassing Rizwan.
Surya shines on SUNday!#INDvsZIM pic.twitter.com/YuzQYL6FH1
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 6, 2022
Out of this world stuff from SKY🔥👏
Why don’t you share the cheat code for batting with us @surya_14kumar?😉 #INDvsZIM #T20WorldCup— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) November 6, 2022
Dancing shoes on from SKY. Brilliant feet movement.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 6, 2022
Sky is special.
SKY is limitless…
Brilliant stuff. Always a treat to watch.#SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/EsZ7vG4gcG— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 6, 2022
Defending their competitive total, India bundled out Zimbabwe on 115 in 17.2 overs as off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin starred with three wickets for 22 runs in his full quota of four overs.
“When Hardik and I were batting, I believe the strategy was crystal clear. He suggested that we take the positive route and see where it leads us. We started off strong and didn’t let up until the 20th over. The team’s atmosphere is fantastic, and the build-up to the knockouts has been fantastic. My strategy is always clear. I’m not trying anything new. In the nets, I bat the same way,” Suryakumar said in the post-match presentation.
“It feels great, but I always think when I come out to bat, ‘Come out and start from zero,’ and I’ll keep doing that. It’s encouraging to see people come out and support us even after we’ve qualified,” SKY further added on his approach after walking in to bat.
