Virender Sehwag mersmerised us all one more time with his range of strokeplay, toying with the New Zealand attack as well as M/s Duckworth and Lewis in the fourth one-day international game in Hamilton on Wednesday. He made batting look so simple; and the hapless New Zealand bowlers pedestrian as India claimed the series with a match on hand.
He breezed to the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian – he needed just 60 deliveries at the Seddon Park – with a display of clean hitting that is unlikely to be forgotten in a hurry. His opening partner in the 201 run stand, Gautam Gambhir made 63 runs at nearly a run a ball but that seemed so slow against Sehwag’s 125 off 74 balls.
There was one mistimed drive for six off left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori and one edge to the ‘keeper Peter McGlashan but all other strokes were played off the meat of his 1200gm bat. It was a savage innings and, even if it is an oxymoron, there was an aesthetic appeal to his innings. He has entertained before but this one will have to be top of the drawer stuff. Read more »
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