Advertisement
Countless moments in cricket history define the game, and frequently, it’s the batsmen who leave a lasting impression. This piece explores the top ten occasions when batters took the ball to the bowlers and left a lasting impression on the game. Not only did these incredible innings turn the tide of matches, but they also left a lasting impression on the careers of the bowlers on the receiving end. These devastating performances—from the classic Sachin Tendulkar’s Desert Storm to the modern Virat Kohli’s 49th Test century—showcase the willow’s absolute dominance over leather, shattering records and leaving their names etched in cricket history. We will see the batsmen destroy bowlers’ careers.
2003: Matthew Hayden Vs Andrew Flintoff
Against England in 2003, Matthew Hayden scored an incredible 380 runs in one of the greatest individual innings in Test cricket history, demonstrating his exceptional batting ability. Andrew Flintoff of England and the rest of the bowling attack was met with a relentless attack from Hayden. Throughout 622 deliveries, Hayden smashed an incredible 38 boundaries and 11 lofty sixes during his incredible knock.
Advertisement
2004: Brian Lara vs Muttiah Muralitharan
An iconic moment in cricket history that glorifies a batsman’s stature is Brian Lara’s incredible 400-run innings against Sri Lanka in 2004. Lara’s performance against a strong spin-heavy Sri Lankan bowling attack, spearheaded by spin maestro Muttiah Muralitharan, was an amazing display of skill, tenacity, and unwavering focus. Lara’s inning included an incredible 43 boundaries and lasted an incredible 12 hours, with 582 deliveries. Reaching an unprecedented 400 runs, it not only broke records but also surpassed Matthew Hayden’s record for the highest individual score in Test cricket. This amazing accomplishment defied all expectations and assisted the West Indies to achieve a remarkable declared total of 751/5.
2005: Sachin Tendulkar vs Shoaib Akhtar
In cricket, the iconic Sachin Tendulkar‘s historic 194-run innings against Pakistan in 2005 stands as a magnificent struggle against Shoaib Akhtar’s lightning-fast pace. Tendulkar demonstrated his absolute mastery against one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game. Tendulkar’s knock, which lasted for almost eight hours, was a captivating demonstration of talent and disposition. Tendulkar amassed 194 not far from a double century, with two enormous sixes and 16 boundaries. Tendulkar handled Shoaib Akhtar‘s acerbic deliveries with amazing poise.
2005: Chris Gayle vs Muttiah Muralitharan
In the 2005 Test series, Chris Gayle‘s remarkable 317-run innings against South Africa represented a significant turning point in cricket history. Gayle launched a ceaseless assault on the South African bowlers and the formidable spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan. Gayle smashed an incredible 37 boundaries and several strong sixes during his massive 483-run overthrow. During his innings, Gayle established a new record for the highest individual score in Test cricket history.
2006: Adam Gilchrist vs Brett Lee
In the 2006 Test series, Adam Gilchrist scored 149 runs in an explosive innings that will go down in cricket history as one of the most amazing examples of aggressive batting. In contrast to his Australian teammate Brett Lee’s blistering pace and the South African bowling attack, Gilchrist demonstrated an incredible combination of power and accuracy. Adam Gilchrist’s daring blow dealt the opposition a crushing blow with 13 boundaries and eight enormous sixes. Australia amassed a formidable total thanks to Gilchrist’s relentless attack. This legendary inning not only showcased Adam Gilchrist’s extraordinary talent but also highlighted the adventurous and vibrant nature of Australian cricket at the time, leaving a lasting impression on the history of the game.
2018: Virat Kohli vs Stuart Broad
Virat Kohli’s outstanding batting performance against England in Birmingham during the 2018 Test series is demonstrated by his outstanding 149-run innings. Kohli took on Stuart Broad, one of the best fast bowlers in the world at the time and an experienced player for England. With a relentless attack, Kohli defied Broad’s abilities with 22 boundaries and a massive six in his display of batting mastery. In addition to showcasing Kohli’s exceptional skill and capacity to handle top-notch bowling, this innings was crucial to India’s 4-1 series win.
2022: Devon Conway vs Tim Southee
Against England in Mount Maunganui during the 2022–23 Test series, Devon Conway scored a stunning double century, showcasing his exceptional batting ability. Against one of the world’s best fast bowlers, Tim Southee, Conway proved to be a master of technique and poise. In his long innings, Conway took on Southee and the English bowling attack with a variety of potent strokes, including multiple sixes and boundaries. This outstanding effort was crucial to New Zealand’s series win, which they eventually won 3-0. Conway’s outstanding performance confirmed Conway’s status as one of New Zealand’s top batsmen and demonstrated his ability to perform well against elite bowlers.
2023: Rohit Sharma vs Fazalhaq Farooqi
Rohit Sharma displayed a batting masterclass in the 2023 T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan, destroying the Afghan bowlers with an amazing innings of 131 from just 84 balls. Rohit’s performance served as a tribute to the skill of timing a T20 cricket chase. Sharma took a methodical approach, moving slowly at first but quickly picking up speed once he established a rhythm. Rohit attacked mostly the Afghan spinners, scoring 70 runs off 45 balls, especially against one of the best spinners in the world, Rashid Khan. Rohit also demonstrated equal skill against the Afghan fast bowlers, scoring 61 runs off 39 balls, especially against the fastest bowler in the world, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
2023: Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada
With an astounding 122 runs off just 61 deliveries during the 2023 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli left the South African bowlers in disarray with his performance. Kohli’s innings was a T20 batting masterclass, with an aggressive approach and an impressive array of shots. When Kohli smashed 62 runs off 36 balls against South African pacers, including one of the fastest bowlers in the world, Kagiso Rabada, Kohli’s dominance was on full display. Kohli produced strong boundaries with his skillful use of bat speed. Against South African spinners, Kohli was even more potent, scoring 60 runs off just 25 balls, especially against the legendary Tabraiz Shamsi, who used his deft footwork and strategic placement to rip massive sixes over the field. So, we have seen the batsmen destroyed bowlers’ careers.
