Happy Birthday Yuvraj Singh: The Knock That Knocked Australia Out of World Cup 2011
Yuvraj Singh is one of India’s greatest white-ball cricketers. He is famous for his elegant strokeplay and his poise under pressure. As we celebrate his 42nd birthday, let’s remember a key moment in his career. It was the knock that eliminated Australia in the 2011 World Cup. It was unforgettable.
Yuvraj registers the then-fastest T20I half-century.
When Yuvraj hit the last delivery of the over for a maximum, he reached his half-century off just 12 balls. This was the fastest T20I half-century at the time. He had many match-winning innings. His 6 sixes against Stuart Broad are the most famous.
YUVRAJ SINGH SHOW IN THE T20I WORLD CUP. 🥶
– Yuvraj Singh smashed 6 sixes in an over “OTD in 2007” in the T20I World Cup against Stuart Broad.
One of the Greatest moments ever in Indian Cricket history. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7JVkPZtap6
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 19, 2024
Yuvraj Singh’s Iconic Knock at Motera
The 2011 World Cup Quarterfinal at the Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera, was tense. India, playing on home soil, faced defending champions Australia, led by Ricky Ponting. The Aussies hoped to win their fourth straight World Cup. India was desperate to reach the semifinals.
Batting first, Australia made 260. Their skipper, Ponting, scored 104. His century helped. India’s response started well. Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir hit crucial fifties. Both batters failed to convert their starts. India was in trouble at 187-5 in the 38th over.
Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina Hold Their Nerve
With India’s top order out, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina were the last recognized batsmen. Australia’s bowlers—Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, and Mitchell Johnson—were relentless. They aimed to tighten their grip on the match.
How good was @YUVSTRONG12, 37 today, at the @cricketworldcup in 2011? Here’s the moment he broke Australia’s streak of title wins with his fifth 50+ score of the tournament in the quarter-finals! 💪 pic.twitter.com/bVSKlJWBxU
— ICC (@ICC) December 12, 2018
But Yuvraj Singh had other plans. Calm under pressure, the southpaw batted masterfully. He found gaps and hit timely boundaries. His partner, Suresh Raina, provided good support. He kept the run rate under control.
The Winning Moment
Yuvraj Singh’s composed knock of 57 runs off 65 balls culminated in a moment of pure ecstasy. As Brett Lee steamed in, Yuvraj smashed the winning boundary through the covers. A passionate roar echoed across the stadium. It wasn’t just a celebration of a victory but a declaration of India’s determination to reclaim the World Cup.
Player of the Tournament: Yuvraj Singh
Under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, India won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. It ended a 28-year wait for the trophy. Yuvraj Singh’s all-round brilliance won him the Player of the Tournament award. His 362 runs and 15 wickets showed his resilience and match-winning skills.
On Yuvraj Singh’s 42nd birthday, we recall his innings vs. Australia in the World Cup Quarterfinal. It is forever etched in the hearts of Indian cricket fans. It was more than a match-winning knock. It showed the grit and resolve of one of India’s most beloved cricketers.
