The conventional theory in cricket for batters is to bat deep into the innings. Openers, top-order, and middle-order are expected to do the bulk of the scoring. They are the ones who often end up with the player of the match awards. But there are instances when a player gets awarded for a brilliant cameo.
These performances are powerful enough to leave a lasting impact on the game. The pendulum of a game at times even a tournament is shifted owing to such wonderful knocks. These knocks thoroughly deserve winning player of the match awards.
We look at 4 Batters Winning MOTM Playing Less Than 10 Balls
#4 Ramnaresh Sarwan
The West Indies’ number 3 batsman had to play out of character in a T20 World Cup game. Ramnaresh Sarwan was known for his gritty knocks. He was arguably West Indies’s best batsman in the 2000s across formats. Sarwan effortlessly changed gears when required. He had shown his range in the 2003 World Cup opening game.
Sarwan batting way down the order smashed a quick-fire 40 to put the Windies into the driving seat. He repeated his heroics in a T20 World Cup game in 2009. Sarwan hit 9-balls 19 to help the Windies win (D/L method).
#3 Brad Hodge
For someone who was tipped to be Australia’s next big Test superstar, Brad Hodge found his calling in T20Is. A top-order batsman, Hodge became a full-fledged finisher in the later years of his career. He was an asset for the Rajasthan Royals team in the phase between 2011-15.
Hodge played the same role to perfection for Australia in a game against South Africa. He smashed 8-balls 21 to help Australia overcome a chase where they needed 15 off the last over.
#2 Asif Ali
He became a household name with the T20 World Cup 2021. Asif Ali stormed into cricketing conversations from absolutely nowhere. Pakistan was chasing a stiff score against Afghanistan. They had entered into a territory where something had to give. Asif Ali devoid of any baggage went slam-bang. He smashed 4 sixes in a single over. Ali singlehandedly changed the course of the game. He had thereby knocked out the chances of both Afghanistan and arch-rivals, India.
#1 Dinesh Karthik
In a career that continues to thrive post 18 years of his debut, Dinesh Karthik is most famous for his 8-balls knock. It was yet another final where it appeared that fate was sealed for India. They were undoubtedly the team of the tournament winning everything. But the occasion it seemed had got to them.
Needing 33 off the last two overs, in walked Dinesh Karthik. He pummelled 8-balls 29 that included a now-iconic last-ball six to take India home. Karthik has played a lot of useful hands but none bigger than the one he played that night!
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