Virender Sehwag took cricket enthusiasts down the memory lane as the former opener slammed a 35-ball 80 to help India Legends etch a comprehensive ten wickets win over Bangladesh Legends in the Road Safety World Series. Batting at a strike-rate of 228.57, the right-handed batsman smashed ten fours and five sixes, helping his side close the 110-run chase in just 10.1 overs.
Sehwag's former opening partner, Sachin Tendulkar, stood firm at the other end and enjoyed the show from arguably the best seat in the house. The Master Blaster fetched 33 from 26 balls.
Time travelled and back @sachin_rt @virendersehwag #RoadSafetyWorldSeries
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 5, 2021
The Road Safety World Series, which was called off midway last year, resumed on Friday in Raipur with India Legends taking on Bangladesh Legends in the curtain raiser.
After electing to bat first, Bangladesh Legends got off to a decent start as the pair of Nazimuddin and J Omar added 59 for the first wicket in eight overs. Omar was the first man to depart as he was sent back to the hut by Pragyan Ojha on 12 from 19 balls, which saw recently-retired wicketkeeper Naman Ojha execute a sharp stumping.
Superb batting @virendersehwag paaji. 80* of 35 balls. And legendary opening partnership with @sachin_rt paaji. Someone has truly said, legends never retire #RoadSafetyWorldSeries pic.twitter.com/qLu3pzz3dB
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) March 5, 2021
Meanwhile, Nazimuddin was the second man to depart, as the opener fell short by one run from completing his half-century. He was cleaned up by Yuvraj Singh on 49 and following his dismissal, Bangladesh Legends witnessed a sudden collapse and were soon struggling at 83/6.
Yuvraj along with Pragyan and Vinay Kumar scalped two wickets each, while Manpreet Gony and Yusuf Pathan also returned with one wicket each to help India Legends bundle out their opposition for a paltry 109 in 19.4 overs.
In response, Sehwag provided the hosts with the best possible start and smashed a boundary in the first ball of the innings. The right-handed batsman, who is regarded as one of the most destructive custodian of the cricket ball, took just 20 deliveries to complete his half-century and kept his mojo going until the final ball of the contest.
Sehwag wrapped up the contest in style as he smashed Khaled Mahmud for a maximum in the first ball of the 11th over. He was also named the Man of the Match for his blistering show in Raipur.
"I was surprised that it was not a full house, but hopefully for the next game a lot of spectators will come out and support us. Sachin told me to finish quickly and that's why I was in a hurry. Yesterday I had a five minute Nets session, that's it. My batting was simple, see the ball and hit the ball. Just keep it simple," Sehwag said after the conclusion of the match.
