Epic Indian ODI Knocks In Vain:The brilliant game between the Netherlands and the West Indies has reignited the beauty of ODI cricket. It is a format that allows the best of all worlds. The Indian team has been a fairly consistent ODI unit, especially over the last two decades. A few exceptions aside they have made it to the knockouts of all ICC tournaments.
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The big reason behind their success has been their batting. Indian batsmen have taken to the ODI format like no other nation. But there have been instances when their efforts have fallen agonisingly short.
We look at a few such epic Indian ODI knocks that went in vain:
#3 Rohit Sharma – 150
It was a thrilling series that saw the side batting first win every single game. The first of the 5 ODIs was played at Kanpur and it was a proper humdinger. South Africa batted first on a tricky two-paced surface at Green Park. The pitch appeared slow and showed signs of spin early into the game. Ravichandran Ashwin had an impact on the game as soon as he was brought into the attack. But an untimely injury ruled him out of the game and the series.
South Africa at one stage appeared to be targeting the 250-run mark. It would have been a par score on the surface. But it was the genius of AB de Villiers that took South Africa to a total of 303-5. ABD’s unbeaten 104 off 73 balls was always difficult to overcome.
But Rohit Sharma almost pulled off a stunning win. It was in fact India’s game until he got out in the 47th over. Sharma played one of the great ODI knocks in recent times on a testing surface. His 150 came off just 133 balls but his wicket bummed India. MS Dhoni failed to dispatch a young Kagiso Rabada in the last over to take India home.
#2 Sachin Tendulkar – 143
World cricket knew the talent that Sachin Tendulkar had but it was a day where everyone saw his genius. On a desert-like atmosphere rapped in heat and dust, India had an uphill task to climb. Australia scored 284-7 batting first. India had to chase 276 runs within 46 overs to qualify for the finals. The equation for India was simple – Sachin had to score a century. It was always the case in the 90s that India’s hopes in a big game were until Tendulkar stood at the crease.
The little master put on a show for the ages as he combated increasing run-rate, weather conditions, and losing partners. He didn’t leave anything to chance as Tendulkar plundered a masterful 143 off 131 balls. His knock comprised 9 fours and 5 huge sixes along with Tony Greig’s iconic commentary.
The knock was later popularly called the desert storm. Tendulkar ensured India entered the finals before being dismissed. India lost this game but Tendulkar scored another hundred to win the final. It was a perfect example of how the master lost the battle but won the war!
#1 Sachin Tendulkar – 175
Australia was the numero uno ODI side even in 2009. It wasn’t an easy task to challenge the mighty Aussies no matter what the conditions. The 7-match ODI series was levelled at 2-2 heading into the fifth game in Hyderabad. Australia won the toss and true to their reputation back then hammered the Indian bowling. They notched up a huge total of 350-4. Shaun Marsh scored a century (112) and Cameron White’s assault at the death (57 off 33 balls) demoralized the Indian team. They needed something special to come close to the Aussie total.
India got off to a good start with the opening partnership putting on 66 runs in 8.5 overs. Sachin Tendulkar took over completely once when Virender Sehwag departed. India’s number 3, 4, and 5 contributed 8, 9, and 6 respectively in such a tall chase. Yet Sachin’s presence at the crease kept the Indian hopes alive.
Suresh Raina played the ideal foil to Tendulkar’s masterclass. Once he departed the pressure started growing on Tendulkar. In an inning that saw him play every shot in the book and also invent new ones, his partners weren’t giving him company. Tendulkar was eventually dismissed for 175 off 141 balls. He smashed 19 fours and 4 sixes in that knock. He did everything superhumanly possible that night but the side so often is the case with Tendulkar’s centuries didn’t stand up to ensure an Indian win.
