Top 3 Shahid Afridi knocks against India in ODIs

Shahid Afridi was one of the most synonymous names associated with the India-Pakistan rivalry of the recent past. Aside from being a handy leg-spinner on pitches with even a hint of turn, his explosive hitting could also turn matches in his team's favour.

In this segment, let us take a look at the three best knocks played by Afridi against India in ODIs. The all-rounder played 67 ODIs against the Men in Blue. Among those encounters, Pakistan emerged victorious on 36 occasions.

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#3 34*(18) at Dhaka, 2014 Asia Cup

Afridi pulled off an astonishing heist in the final moments of the pulsating encounter

Having been left out of Pakistan's squad for the 2013 Champions Trophy, Afridi returned to the ODI side to embark on another productive spell. The 2014 Asia Cup, held in Bangladesh, served as an ideal opportunity for the star all-rounder to showcase his spark in white-ball cricket.

Before they met each other at Dhaka, both Pakistan and India had lost to a strong Sri Lankan outfit. In what was a contest of huge significance, the latter batted first and registered a competitive total of 245.

Pakistan's pursuit began on a promising note as Sharjeel Khan and Ahmed Shehzad put on 71 runs for the first wicket. Even as wickets fell around him, Mohammad Hafeez anchored the innings to keep the run-chase on track. However, a lower-order collapse left them needing 43 from the last five overs with just four wickets at their disposal.

Afridi got into the groove by hitting a six and a boundary off Ravindra Jadeja's successive balls. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's double blow reduced the equation to 10 runs from the last over. Getting back on strike for the third ball, the maverick right-hander unleashed consecutive sixes against Ravichandran Ashwin and sealed a thrilling one-wicket victory for Pakistan.

#2 109 (94) at Toronto, 1998 Friendship Cup

Afridi is congratulated on the field after bringing up his second ODI century

During the 1990s, Pakistan largely had the wood over India in ODI cricket. Boasting of flamboyant batsmen as well as world-class bowlers, they were one of the most popular teams in that colourful decade.

Considering the prevailing tension on either side of the border, the 1998 affair between the two Asian giants was aptly named 'Friendship Series'. When the fourth ODI began at the Skating and Curling Club in Toronto, Pakistan were leading 2-1. Upon winning the toss, they lost the elegant Saeed Anwar early in the innings.

Displaying the exuberance of youth, Afridi started to hammer the Indian seamers to all parts of the ground. With spearhead Javagal Srinath looking rusty, the likes of Ajit Agarkar and Venkatesh Prasad wilted under the opener's onslaught.

Encompassing seven boundaries and six sixes, the belligerent right-hander's 94-ball 109 propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 316. In reply, India were bowled out for just 182 as the spinners applied scoreboard pressure to their advantage.

#1 102 (46) at Kanpur, 2005

Afridi's scintillating assault made mincemeat of the Indian bowlers

After losing both Test and ODI series at home against India in 2004, Pakistan were eager to extract revenge when they toured the land of their traditional rivals in the ensuing year. Afridi helped them level the Test series by using his inimitable bowling skills to raze through the Indian middle-order at Bangalore.

When the two teams met at Green Park in Kanpur for the fifth ODI, the series was tantalisingly poised at 2-2. Skipper Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Kaif hauled India to a fighting total of 249. Dispelling all notions of a tricky chase, Afridi did not take too long to effectively finish off the hosts.

Afridi smashed Lakshmipathy Balaji for two fours and two sixes in the latter's second over. The assault forced Dravid to turn to the experienced Anil Kumble. But the hard-hitting opener was in no mood to relent. The seasoned leg-spinner went for three sixes and a boundary in his first over.

Even as Salman Butt smartly kept him on strike, Afridi continued to take the Indian bowlers to the cleaners. By the time he was finally castled by Harbhajan Singh, the right-hander had smashed 102 out of a partnership of 131. His breathtaking 46-ball knock eased Pakistan to a comfortable five-wicket triumph.