5 career defining innings of Inzamam Ul Haq
Inzamam Ul Haq is one of the finest batters of Pakistan. By some experts he was at par with his contemporaries like Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar and Kallis. Moreover, he was match winner. Batting with tail-unders became his forte. He would like to take the game deep and then win it. He has won numerous games for his side. Here is a list of 5 innings that defined his career.
1. 148 against England at Lords in 1996
96 England tour is remembered for the terrific bowling of Wasim and Waqar. However, had it not been for Inzi, Pak would not have been successful. Prior to this match Inzi’s average in England was less than 15. But, the great batter came back with a vengeance and made 148 in the first innings ensuring a pole position for his side after the first innings. He did not finish there and made a half century in the second innings as well. Pakistan won the match by 164 runs.
2. 122 against India at Karachi in 2004
Pakistan lost both the ODI and Test series to India. Moreover, the overall performance of the team was also miserable. However, Inzi’s own performance as a captain was awesome. Pakistan were chasing a huge total of 349 in Karachi. At one moment around 30th over it seemed like Pakistan would easily get the target, mainly because of the way Inzi was thrashing Indian bowlers. He did not spare any bowler and took them to the cleaners. Inzamam Ul Haq made 122 of only 1022 balls. However, he was dismissed in the 43rd over and that costed Pakistan the match and the series. But, this innings once again showcased the true master class of Inzamam.
3. 329 runs against New Zealand in 2002
As a child I remember watching this innings, and I still remember the exact stats. Inzi took 101 singles, two doubles, smashed 38 fours and nine towering sixes. He became only the second Pakistani to hit a triple century. Only three other Pakistani batters other than him have achieved this feat. Inzi was named Player of the Match for his heroic innings in Lahore. He particularly smashed the Kiwi leg spinner Walker all over the park. Even before getting out, he smacked him for three sixes in an over.
4. 138 runs against Bangladesh in 2003
After a terrible performance in the World Cup. Pakistan team was struggling to regain form. Home series against Bangladesh should have been a home run. However, things took a nasty turn when Pakistan were chasing 262, and were in some serious trouble. It would have been quite a devastating loss for the team. However, Inzi stepped up and took the matter in his control. He forged great partnerships with late order batters, and steered Pakistan to a one wicket win. This innings by many is considered Inzi’s best innings of his test career.
5. 60 runs against New Zealand in 1992 World Cup
Inzi made quite an entry on the international scene. Pakistan’s skipper Imran Kham selected him for the World cup, but he could not live up to his expectations in the early matches. In the semi-final, the legend has it that he was suffering from severe stomach pain, when he walked in to bat, with Pak requiring a little over 120 runs in last 15 overs.
But what followed was an Inzi blitz, he was simply outstanding, and was hitting the ball at will. He smashed 60 runs only off 37 balls, and thus announced his arrival on the international scene. Pakistan went on to win the World Cup and Inzi played a crucial role in it.
Did we miss any special Inzi innings, please let us know in the comments.
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