In a candid revelation that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has finally shed light on the memorable on-field confrontation with India’s star batsman, Yuvraj Singh, during the 2007 T20 World Cup. This clash, etched forever in history, led to Yuvraj’s iconic six sixes in a single over bowled by Stuart Broad.
Flintoff openly admitted that his banter went ‘too far,’ inadvertently sparking the fiery response from the Indian legend. During a conversation on ‘Beard Before Wicket,’ Flintoff recalled, ‘So with Yuvraj, we used to go at each other. But it was always in the best intentions and fun. And I think he is brilliant, he is a good lad. And then in that World Cup game against India, my ankle had gone. I thought it was my last game. I was angry and I crossed the line. It’s one of the few times in my career I did I think.’
The tension on the field was palpable, a crucible that forged an unforgettable moment. Flintoff continued, ‘And then he hit Stuart Broad for six sixes. It should have been me. I was fielding on the boundary after the first one, he was looking at me like that. I go, oh here we go. And then the second one, he was looking for me again. By the fifth one, I wanted him to do it (big laugh).”
Reacting to this long-awaited confession, Yuvraj Singh offered a concise yet powerful response on social media: ‘Legend (with a laughing emoji).’ This simple reply perfectly encapsulated the playful rivalry and the mutual respect that underpinned such a monumental moment in cricket.
The 2007 T20 World Cup match in Durban was a high-stakes affair for India, who desperately needed a win against England after a loss to New Zealand. After explosive starts from Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh walked to the crease following Robin Uthappa’s dismissal. Already charged by Flintoff’s verbal jabs, Yuvraj unleashed an unprecedented assault on Stuart Broad’s 19th over. Every single ball of the over disappeared over the boundary for a six, culminating in a blistering 12-ball fifty – a record for the fastest fifty in T20 Internationals that stood for 16 years until Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee broke it in 2023.
Yuvraj’s incredible blitz single-handedly propelled India’s score from 171 to 207 in just one over, ultimately leading India to a total of 218 runs and an 18-run victory. While Herschelle Gibbs had achieved the feat of hitting six sixes in an ODI previously, Yuvraj’s performance carried immense weight, delivered under intense pressure against top-tier opposition.
Flintoff’s recent admission of overstepping his bounds and Yuvraj’s good-natured acknowledgement provide fans with a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the fierce yet ultimately respectful spirit of competition that defines cricket’s most iconic moments. It’s a testament to a rivalry that transcended the game, leaving an indelible mark on its history.