Sehwag's brilliant spell (Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com)
Life can be boring, but cricket can't. In this sport, every ball writes a short, and every shot screams excellence. Over the years, India and South Africa face-offs delivered some exceptional thrills, mostly in the limited-overs format.
Some of the greats have dazzled in the India-South Africa ODI clashes, and some of the players have shone in some unexpected roles, just as Virender Sehwag did in 2009. Known for destroying attacks with the bat, Sehwag suddenly stepped into a role no one saw coming, and left everyone stunned.
The Proteas were left shell-shocked as Sehwag unleashed a jaw-dropping spell. The Proteas were left stunned by the move, and Sehwag delivered an outstanding spell. Let’s relive the magic.
Proteas rattle Men in Blue with a stunning partnership
Whenever India and South Africa clash, the sparks fly higher than in any other match, with more thrills, more intensity, and unforgettable moments. In the history of their face-offs, the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy remained a classic as the opener Virender Sehwag shone with another weapon when India was in danger.
Batting first, the Men in Blue put on a total of 261, depending on Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, and Yuvraj Singh’s heroics. Stepping into the second innings with an aim of domination, Zaheer Khan secured the early blood, but little did India know the Proteas had a jaw-dropping surprise waiting that would shake the game.
After Graeme Smith’s dismissal, Jacques Kallis joined Herschelle Gibbs, and the world was an explosion. While going berserk on the Indian bowlers, both batters slammed half-centuries. As India faced a nightmare, the Proteas made momentum on the field.
Gibbs slammed the hundred and retired hurt in 116 balls. With that, the 178-run partnership came to an end. Just when the Proteas seemed unstoppable, Harbhajan Singh struck twice, turning the tide and giving Team India the momentum they desperately needed.
Ganguly makes a masterstroke with Sehwag on the ball
The world knows about Captain Sourav Ganguly’s outstanding cricketing brilliance, and on that day, South Africa faced the heat of his cricketing brain. After Harbhajan Singh’s consecutive scalps gave a massive boost to the Indian side, Ganguly unleashed a masterstroke, introducing Sehwag to the bowling action.
In the 44th over, he dismissed Mark Boucher, and the Proteas’ woes deepened. Losing 4 wickets in 213 runs, the Proteas were under pressure, but Kallis was keeping the hope alive with his exceptional batting show.
In the last over, South Africa needed 21 runs in the last over and Sehwag came to bowl the last over. In the second delivery of the last over, Sehwag secured the crucial scalp of Kallis as he missed the century by just three runs. Then, with the match on the line, he sent Klusener packing as Kaif pulled off a jaw-dropping catch to seal the thriller.
South Africa was standing on the brink of glory, smelling victory, but Sehwag’s spell made the difference. In those five overs, Sehwag conceded 25 runs and secured three wickets with an economy rate of 5.00. His batting brilliance is legendary, but that unexpected bowling masterclass delivered India a thrilling 10-run win that fans still can’t forget.
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