Pietersen: My best yet

Kevin Pietersen
12 April 2012

Kevin Pietersen's matchwinning 130 was the best, as well as highest, one-day international innings he has played to date.

That fair assessment came from the man himself, after he had underpinned England's pursuit of 237 all out against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to ensure a 4-0 series whitewash.

Comparing his 153-ball contribution with all his other ODI innings, he said: "I'm allowed to say it was probably the best one I've played."

England were, for once, minus Alastair Cook very early - and Pietersen responded with a world-class innings, for his second successive century at this venue with a nerveless display of skill against a spin-dominated attack.

From 68 for four in the 16th over, and for the remainder of England's run chase, his permanence was the only realistic chance of success.

Craig Kieswetter lent admirable support in a century stand for the fifth wicket - but for 49 overs, England would have been sunk without Pietersen.

Pietersen's chief attributes were that, in stark contrast to his struggles in the Test series, he almost unerringly got bat and ball - and he always looked in control of a tough situation.

"I like to really calm things down and just watch the ball, and play it," he added. "I thought that the total they had, if I batted for 50 overs and took the game deep and batted with a bit of experience, we could come close.

"I just wanted to take the game deep, and I wanted to target bowlers as well.

"I think that was the key to the success."

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