Flashback 2018: India’s top 10 T20I knocks, from Karthik’s Nidahas magic to Rohit’s record 4th ton

By Team MyNationFirst Published Dec 27, 2018, 4:32 PM IST
Highlights

In T20Is, the most memorable moment for Indian fans this year was Dinesh Karthik sealing the Nidahas Trophy with a last-ball six. It was an incredible knock of 29 not out from just eight balls with two boundaries and three sixes, against Bangladesh in Colombo

India's opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan has emerged as one of the best in limited-overs. The pair enjoyed another year of success, being a nightmare for the bowlers.

Shikhar (689) and Rohit (590) occupy the top two slots for most T20Is runs in the world in 2018. The year also saw Rohit smashing a record fourth century in the format.

Also read: India's Top 10 ODI knocks of 2018

MyNation brings to you the Top 10 T20I knocks by Indian batsmen in 2018.

1. Dinesh Karthik - 29 not out vs Bangladesh, Colombo, March 18, 2018

Karthik's stunning last-ball six to win the Nidahas tri-series trophy will forever remain in the memory of Indian fans. This was the biggest T20I moment of the year for India. With five needed off the final ball from Soumya Sarkar, Karthik smashed the ball over the fence. It was an incredible knock of 29 not out from just eight balls with two boundaries and three sixes. When Karthik arrived at the crease, India needed 34 off 12 and he remained calm under pressure to seal the contest.

Also read: Top 5 Test batsmen of 2018

2. Rohit Sharma - 111 not out vs West Indies, Lucknow, November 6, 2018

Rohit set a world record in T20Is with his fourth hundred in the format in Lucknow. The West Indies bowlers, who had faced wrath of Rohit in the preceding ODI series, were again at the receiving end in the shortest format. He blitzed 111 not out off just 61 balls with eight fours and seven sixes. India, after posting 195/2, kept the opposition to 124/9.

Also read: Top 5 debutants who lit up Test cricket in 2018

3. KL Rahul - 101 not out vs England, Manchester, July 3, 2018

In the three-match opener, Rahul, batting at No 3, smashed 101 not out off just 54 balls with 10 fours and five sixes as India chased down 160. Openers Shikhar Dhawan (4) and Rohit (32) had failed and Rahul made sure that India were not hurt by those early losses.

Also read: Top 5 ODI spinners of 2018

4. Shikhar Dhawan - 72 vs South Africa, Johannesburg, February 18, 2018

Shikhar top-scored with 72 off 39 as India ran up a total of 203/5. In reply, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took five wickets as South Africa were restricted to 175/9.

5. Shikhar - 92 vs West Indies, Chennai, November 11, 2018

With the series already in the bag with 2-0, India wanted to complete a whitewash and it was made possible by Shikhar's 92 (62 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes). There was some excitement as Shikhar was dismissed on the fifth ball of the 20th over with the scores level. Manish Pandey eased the nerves with a single off the final delivery to give India six-wicket victory.

6. Rohit - 89 vs Bangladesh, Colombo, March 14, 2018

When it is while-ball cricket, Rohit is unstoppable. He again features in this list with his 89 off 61 against Bangladesh in Colombo. India defended 176 to win by 17 runs in the tri-series.

7. Rohit - 100 not out vs England, Bristol, July 8, 2018

England 198/9 was not enough as Rohit hit a 56-ball 100 not out to take India to a seven-wicket success in the 19th over.

8. Rohit - 97 vs Ireland, Dublin, June 27, 2018

Rohit missed out on a hundred by three runs in Dublin but his 97 put India on road a huge 76-run triumph. Batting first, the Virat Kohli-led side scored 208/5 and in reply Ireland made 132/9.

9. Manish Pandey - 79 not out vs South Africa, Centurion, February 21, 2018

It was one of those rare days when Rohit was out for a first-ball duck and it was up to the middle order to rescue the team. And, Manish (79) arrived to take charge. He and MS Dhoni (52) took India to 188/4 but that proved insufficient as the Proteas won by six wickets with eight balls to spare.

10. Shikhar - 76 vs Australia, Brisbane, November 21, 2018

Rain played spoilsport as India were made to chase more than what Australia had scored. They were set a revised target of 174 from 17 overs after the hosts had scored 158/4. Shikhar gave his best with 76 but none of the others stood up to make a big contribution. India went down by four runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

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