Birthday special: Ross Taylor – Top 3 knocks in international cricket

Veteran New Zealand batter Ross Taylor celebrates his 39th birthday on March 8. Taylor, the legendary batter from New Zealand, had a career spanning over 16 years. The Wellington-born player is the leading run-scorer for New Zealand in ODIs, having 8,607 runs to his name and is also the second-highest run-scorer in Tests for the Kiwis with 7683 runs. The 39-year-old even captained New Zealand for 47 matches and led the side to 16 wins. On Kiwi Legend’s birthday, let’s take a look at his top three knocks in international cricket:

48 off 29, vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele (T20I)

After opting to bat first in the first T20I in September 2019, Sri Lanka posted a challenging 174/4 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, New Zealand were 39/3 in 7.2 overs. Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme took the team out of misery with their 79-run partnership in just 37 balls. Taylor ended up scoring 48 off 29 as New Zealand won the match by five wickets.

60 off 45, vs Sri Lanka, Colombo

After opting to bat first in the first T20I, New Zealand lost both openers inside the first five overs. At 26/2 Taylor took the onus upon himself to take his side to a good total. He held one end and ended up scoring 60 off 45 balls to take New Zealand to 141/8 at the end of their allotted 20 overs. The Kiwis ended up winning the match by three runs and Daniel Vettori was awarded Player of the Match for his economical spell of 2/11 in four overs.

131* off 124 vs Pakistan, Pallekele, 2011 ODI World Cup

After electing to bat first, New Zealand were 55/2 after 12.3 overs when Taylor walked to the crease. He got a few lives early on his innings as Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal dropped him. He reached his 50 off 78 balls and gradually carried on his innings. After 44 overs, Taylor was unbeaten on 68 off 105 balls and unleashed his beast mode in the final six overs.

He smacked 26 against Shoaib Akhtar in the 47th over and reached his hundred on 117 balls on his birthday. He further smacked 28 off the last over and finished his innings of 131* off 124 balls. Taylor was awarded Player of the Match for his hundred as New Zealand won by 110 runs defending 302 runs.