Yusuf Pathan butchered the New Zealand bowlers as he struck a 79-ball century to guide India to a fantastic five-wicket victory in the fourth ODI in Bangalore on Tuesday.
Courtesy Yusuf's (123, 96 balls, 7x4, 7x6 and three for 49) all-round performance, India now lead the five-match series 4-0.
When Kyle Mills came on to bowl the 43rd over India needed 72 runs off 42 deliveries. The senior Pathan hit Mills for three boundaries and a huge six over mid-wicket. He took 21 runs from the over and brought equation down.
In the next over he hit Andy McKay for a flat batted tennis shot over long to complete a well deserved maiden century in ODIs.
The best of the seven sixes was the one off Mills which was hit more than 100 metres hitting the roof of the stadium and disappearing further.
Even an hour's delay due to rain couldn't stop Yusuf as he lifted Vettori for a huge six of the first delivery he faced after break.
Yusuf had two fruitful partnerships --- first with Rohit Sharma (44, 48 balls, 4x4, 1x6) when they added 80 runs in 13.5 overs and then 133 runs with Saurabh Tiwary (37 not out 3x4, 1x6) for the sixth wicket.
This was incidentally the highest run-chase in an ODI at this ground. It was young Saurabh who finished the proceedings with a six off Nathan McCullum.
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