In 2005 England found a diamond. Kevin Pietersen, the dashing young right handed batsman, took world cricket by storm with his unique batting and style. Not only was batting stylish, but he was also stylish and handsome too. Let’s take a look at some of his best performances
1. 2005 Fifth Test Match
An English player gets the most credit when he performs well in the ashes. KP was the player of the match for the fifth test. England and Australia 1-1, two games were drawn, and they won one. He scored 158 runs off 187 balls in the second inning. This score majorly contributed to the win. Pietersen was the hero of the ashes and cemented his spot on the national team.
2. 2010 Ashes Second Test
Pietersen enjoyed scoring big runs against their old enemy Australia. The Aussies scored 245 runs in their first innings. Kevin then scored a fine 227 runs off 308 balls. His efforts were supported by Alastair Cook, who also scored 148 runs. Eng won the match by 71 runs and an innings.
3. 2012 Second Test Against India
England was touring India and had lost their first test match of the series. Pietersen breathed an air of confidence with a magnificent knock and helped his team win the test. India scored 327 in their first innings and KP in return hit 186 runs showing his beautiful shot selection. England indeed won the match.
4. 2010 T20 Final Against Australia
This match was a matter of pride for England. Their archrivals always had the higher hand when it came to ICC tournaments. But this time, England turned it around and won the trophy. Credits go to Kevin Pietersen for scoring 47 runs off 31 balls.
5. 2012 3rd ODI Against Pakistan
England was already in the lead with three-0 Against Pakistan. England posted 222 runs on the board. Kevin scored 111 runs and remained not out. Technically he scored half the runs. Alastair Cook also contributed 80 runs. Pietersen was declared the player of the match.
6. 2005 ODI Against South Africa
No, this was a challenging match for him because he had to face the South African crowd’s criticism that he was a South African native who was playing for England. Nevertheless, he didn’t let that affect his performance. He scored an unbeaten 108 of 56 balls and helped England put 270 runs on the board. SA lost the match by one run Despite Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis’s efforts.
7. 2012 Fourth ODI Against Pakistan
Another favorite opponent of Pietersen was Pakistan. He loved to knock the ball out of the park against them. PAK scored 239 runs, but it didn’t stand a chance in front of KP’s brilliant 130 off 153 runs. He had lots of help from skipper Alastair Cook as well. PAK got hit by Deja Vu from the previous match.
8. 2006 Test Match Against Australia
KP always stood to the occasion when it was against the Aussies. England did lose the match. But this is thought to be one of KP’s finest knocks ever. He scored 158 runs against the best bowling lineup. He smartly played against the lethal Glenn Mcgrath and Shane Warne. He showcases his classy shots against spin and pace.
9. 2012 Test Match Against Sri Lanka
The man himself has mentioned that this is one of his favorite innings. The Lankans had posted 227 runs in the first innings. When England was chasing, Pieterson scored a brilliant 151 runs allowing his team to put a total of 460. This also led the team to a win adjudging him the player of the match.
10. 2010 League Match Against Deccan Chargers
Kevin Pietersen was playing for Delhi daredevils in the third season of the IPL. The Chargers scored 157 runs in 20 overs. Pietersen crushed their aim of winning by smashing an unbeaten 103. One must say that when Pietersen is in his groove, nothing is stopping him.