Remembering Suresh Raina – The Only Indian Cricketer to Score a Century in T20 World Cup

 

The 2024 T20 World Cup is upon us, with India gearing up for their first match against Ireland. As excitement builds, let’s take a trip down memory lane to a historic feat in T20 World Cup history achieved by an Indian batsman – Suresh Raina’s remarkable century in 2010.

 

Raina holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian cricketer to score a century in the T20 World Cup. This incredible knock came against South Africa back in 2010, during the West Indies edition of the tournament. Batting first, India found themselves in a spot of bother early on, losing two wickets for just 32 runs. However, Raina, entering the crease at number three, steadied the ship.

 

Despite coming in earlier than expected due to an early dismissal, Raina made the most of the opportunity. He faced 60 balls and unleashed a whirlwind of power, scoring a magnificent 101 runs. His knock was a perfect blend of elegance and aggression, studded with nine boundaries and five sixes.

 

Raina’s partnership with Yuvraj Singh, who scored 43 runs, proved crucial in reviving India’s innings. Raina started cautiously, scoring only 19 runs off his first 22 balls. But he weathered the storm posed by South Africa’s pace attack, particularly Dale Steyn, before going against other bowlers. The left-hander reached his century in style with a six in the final over, etching his name in T20 World Cup history.

 

Riding on Raina’s heroics, India set a daunting target of 186 runs for South Africa. While the South African batsmen put up a good fight, India ultimately emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 14 runs.

 

Raina’s knock wasn’t just about brute force; it showcased his maturity and ability to handle pressure. At a young age of 23, he displayed exceptional talent and temperament, becoming the youngest Indian T20 captain soon after. Interestingly, Raina went on to score a century on his Test debut later that year, becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve the feat of scoring hundreds in all three formats of the game.

 

While the focus now shifts to the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Indian team’s quest for glory, Raina’s record-breaking century in 2010 remains a golden chapter in Indian T20 World Cup history. It serves as a reminder of the brilliance Indian batsmen possess and the excitement they can bring to the shortest format of the game.