Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, one of the chief architects of India’s ICC World Cup triumph in 2011, turned 39 on Saturday. The explosive middle-order batsman who clinically dispatched the opposition bowling attack, picking apart world-class bowlers at ease, also bamboozled opposition batsmen with his marauding spin attack. Yuvraj burst forth into the Indian cricketing scene with a mesmerising inning of 84 against a formidable Australia side in 2000 and made headlines on countless occasions, playing for the national team. 

Besides his performances with the bat, the Chandigarh boy gained international fame through his lightning-fast on-field presence, infusing a new life into the Indian side with his breathtaking one-hand catches and direct throws.

Here are some of the scintillating performances by the southpaw from Punjab who dominated world cricket during his stint for the national side.

Also Read: Yuvraj Singh to come out of retirement, may play T20 cricket for Punjab

Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes of Stuart Broad:

A 12-ball half-century by Yuvraj in the inaugural edition of the 2007 ICC Twenty20 world cup, helped India amass a total of 218 in their 20 overs against England, India ultimately won the match by 18 runs. Singh, however, clinched the headlines for smashing English bowler Stuart Broad all over the ground,  becoming the first and only Indian batsman to hit six sixes in an over. 

Natwest Final 2002:

Singh’s mature innings with Mohammed Kaif helped India win the trilateral NatWest Series. The duo added 121 runs for the sixth wicket chasing a total of 326, winning the game for India. The match, however, is also remembered for former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly’s waving off his jersey on the Lord’s pavilion.

Man of the Series in 2011 World Cup:

Yuvi’s exploits with the bat against Australia in the quarter-final of the 2011 ICC World Cup helped India seal a place in the next round. Besides claiming 15 wickets in the tournament, Singh also scored 113 against West Indies.

Also Read: ‘How time flies!’ Yuvraj Singh recalls his 6 sixes against Stuart Broad 13 years ago

India vs Pakistan 2005-06, fifth ODI

Chasing a steep total of 287 in their 50 overs, India defeated Pakistan by eight wickets following Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni’s heroics with the bat. Singh scored a scintillating 107 of 93 balls, helping India secure the fifth match series 4-1 in Pakistan, a memorable victory against the arch-rivals.

Debut innings of 84 against Australia

Singh announced his arrival on the grandest stage, scoring 84 on debut against Australia, ripping apart the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie. His 80 ball innings that comprised of 12 boundaries, helped India secure a memorable 20 run victory.