5 Most Brilliant Centuries In A Losing Cause In ODI Cricket

Centuries are always special when scored and when the team wins, it becomes even more special for the player. A ton in ODI in Test cricket for a batsman is as good as fifers for bowlers. In terms of contribution, it is almost equal to an effort in making your team wins. However, it is heartbreaking when a team loses a match despite scoring magnificent three-figure scores.

Over the years in cricket, there have been players who have scored valiant hundreds which ended up in a losing cause. Some of them have been scored in the biggest competitions of them all, the World Cup. In this article, we will take a look at five brilliant centuries scored in a losing cause. 

5 Most Brilliant Centuries In A Losing Cause In ODI Cricket

5 ) David Warner 173 vs South Africa 

In reply, Warner scored a brilliant 173 off 136 balls, his ninth century at that time of his career. It was decorated by24 boundaries yet his side fell short by 31 runs. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh scored a couple of 30s in the middle-order but it was not enough to see them home.

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4) Sachin Tendulkar 175 vs Australia

The Little Master played this knock more than a decade ago in 2009. Yet it remains fresh in the memory of Indian fans. Australia scored a mammoth 350/5 batting first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Shaun Marsh (112), Shane Watson (93) Ricky Ponting (45), and Cameron White (57). 

In reply, Sachin Tendulkar’s knock was a single-handed effort to keep India in the hunt. He scored 175 off 141 balls with 19 fours and four sixes. Suresh Raina (59) and Ravindra Jadeja (23) chipped in down the order after Virender Sehwag’s (38). At last, India lost the match by just three runs. 175 remains Tendulkar’s highest ODI score against the Aussies. 

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3) Evin Lewis 176* vs England

However, the Windies lost the game as England won the game via the Duckworth-Lewis method. They scored the runs at a fast pace and were ahead of the asking rate at the 35-over mark. By then they reached 258/ 5 with the England top-order firing in all cylinders. The defending champions won the game by 6 runs via the DL method.

2) Matthew Hayden 181 * vs New Zealand

The burly Australian opener scored one of the best ODI centuries but unfortunately, it ended up on a losing cause. Batting first, powered by Hayden’s unbeaten 181, the Aussies scored 

346/5 in their 50 overs in Hamilton back in 2007. Shane Watson (68) and Brad Haddin (38) chipped in as well with crucial runs. 

It was a brilliant run chase from the Kiwis which denied Australia from winning the game. From being 116/5. the Kiwis rode to victory on the back of Craig Macmillan’s 117. Former NZ skipper Brendon McCullum scored an unbeaten 86 and took his team home. It was one of the most memorable cricket matches ever played.

1)  Charles Coventry 194* vs Bangladesh

Zimbabwe’s Charles Coventry holds the record for the highest ODI score by a batsman. It is probably among the best ODI centuries scored in a losing cause. He scored those runs batting at number three as the African nation scored 312 batting first.

In reply, Tamim Iqbal scored 158 off 137 balls to Bangladesh to a memorable victory. The batters chipped in with important contributions right till number eight as The Tigers won the game with 13 balls to spare back in 2009.

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