Rampaul scores a record 86 runs in a breathtaking innings

03 December, 2011

Ravi Rampaul, in an uninhibited display of aggressive batting, hit 6 sixes and 6 fours in his breezy knock of 86 runs. He became the highest scorer in ODIs batting at no.10.

WHEN RAVI Rampaul strolled onto the 22-yard strip to bat, the score read 149 for 8 wickets down. The Indians were very eager, and looked set, to send the remaining batsmen packing for a meagre score of around 160-170. But Ravi Rampaul had some different ideas on his mind and his execution was perfect to amaze the Indian fans and surprise his own team mates with lusty knock of 86 not out from just 66 deliveries at Vishakhapatnam. He was well supported by K. Roach too, who scored 24 runs, and the two put up a partnership off 99 runs. His 86 runs also beat the previous record that had been put up by a No. 10 batsmen in ODIs, Mohammad Amir (73 n.o).

The solidly-built left handed batsman, who is primarily a bowler, tore apart the Indian bowlers with his willow. It was not all about slogging the cricket ball out of the park. He had some deft touches too, when it was needed. He hit a total of 6 sixes and 6 fours. One who witnessed the match would not say that he is a tail ender as he was clearing the ropes with ease.

He played shots all around the park. His full array of strokes was on display. Straight drives, slice, square cut, pull shot, and the sweep were some of his major run scoring strokes. Though, it was his slog sweep along with straight hit down the ground, which gained him maximum number of sixes (2 each). It seems that Lord Ram's spirit had been injected into Ravi Rampaul for the time he was at the crease.

The Indian team tried all their bowlers that they had in their line up to get the batsmen out, but their efforts went in vain. First, it was the turn of the spinners to be thrashed all round the park and later when the Indian skipper, Sehwag, brought his fast bowlers, Rampaul showed no respect - lofting them for sixes easily. The sixes that he hit were really huge ones clearing the boundaries with ease and it seemed to be catching practise for fans, who were seated at the stadium. Finally, the Indians had to walk off the ground along with Rampaul after the completion of 50 overs, as no Indian bowler could grab his wicket. Had time been on his side, he could have become the first batsmen to score 100 runs after coming into bat at no.10.

Rampaul's batting exploits helped West Indies reach a respectable score of 269 at the end of 50 overs. But the Indians were not put down by his heroics as India chased down the score with Kohli scoring his 8th ton. Now, India leads the series 2-0.