Birthday special: Shivnarine Chanderpaul – Top 3 knocks by West Indian legend

One of the finest batters to have played for West Indies, Shivnarine Chanderpaul celebrates his 47th birthday on Monday (August 16) and wishes are pouring in from different parts. Hailing from Guyana, the left-handed batter had an unorthodox batting stance but it didn’t restrict him from becoming a legend of the gentleman’s game. Chanderpaul piled up a mountain of runs in his illustrious career, taking West Indies to numerous sensational victories.

Making his international debut in March 1994, Chanderpaul didn’t take long in cementing his place in the national team. The talismanic cricketer was known to adapt to the conditions quickly which allowed him to excel in different parts. Be it tackling the swinging deliveries in England or countering the spin challenge on sub-continental tracks, the stalwart embraced every challenge which came his way.

Chanderpaul eventually bid adieu to international cricket in 2016 but not before scoring 11867, 8778, and 343 runs in 164 Tests, 268 ODIs, and 22 T20Is respectively.  This also includes 41 tons and 125 half-centuries in the international arena.

Meanwhile, let’s revisit three of the best knocks of Chanderpaul’s international career as he turns a year older.

137 vs India in 1997

Chanderpaul put up an exhibition of high-class batting during the third Test of India’s 1997 tour of the West Indies. Batting first in Bridgetown, the home team lost wickets at regular intervals as Indian bowlers breathed fire with the red cherry. However, the southpaw held one end to keep his side in the hunt. Chanderpaul went on to register a sensational hundred as West Indies posted 298 runs, winning the contest by 38 runs.

150 vs South Africa in 1999

Mostly known for his heroics in the longest format, Chanderpaul played several fine knocks in white-ball cricket as well. During the second ODI of West Indies’ 1998-99 tour of South Africa, Chanderpaul demolished the Proteas attack and scored runs all over the park. The opener ended up scoring 150 off 136 balls in East London. As a result, West Indies advanced to 292/9 while batting first and eventually walked away with a 43-run win.

104 vs South Africa in 2007

Another Shivnarine Chanderpaul special was witnessed in the first Test of West Indies’ 2007 tour of South Africa. The visitors were asked to bat first in Port Elizabeth and Chanderpaul walked in at number five. The southpaw paced his knock to perfection as there were no half measures. In total, he slammed 104 runs off 253 deliveries as West Indies posted 408 runs. His efforts proved to be fruitful as the Caribbean side registered a 128-run win.