5 memorable performances by cricketers on their birthdays

3. A World Cup ton for Ross Taylor

Taylor tore into the Pakistan bowling

Every cricketer aspires to score a century in the world cup and Ross Taylor made it all the more special when he did it on his 27th birthday. It was the group stage game between New Zealand and Pakistan in the 2011 ODI World Cup at Pallekele.

Batting first, New Zealand got off to a bad start when they lost 2 quick wickets. But then Taylor single-handedly took care of the Kiwi’ innings. He scored 131 runs off 124 balls. His 8 fours and 7 sixes assisted New Zealand put up a daunting total of 302 runs.

Chasing a huge total, Pakistan succumbed to the pressure and were bowled out for 192 runs in the 42nd over. The dominating innings of Taylor earned him the prize of the Man of the Match.