New Zealand and Sri Lanka competed in their last league-stage match of the 2023 World Cup in Bengaluru on November 9. Sri Lanka has already been ruled out of the semifinals and is now aiming for a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
In contrast, Kane Williamson’s team had to win this match. Despite suffering four consecutive losses after their impressive start in the tournament, the Blackcaps displayed renewed vigor by dismantling the top order of the Sri Lankan team.
Except for a rapid 51 by Kusal Perera, none of the other batsmen could withstand the relentless bowling from New Zealand, and they tumbled to a score of 128/9 by the 33rd over.
However, the 9th batter Maheesh Theekshana and the 11th batter Dilshan Madushanka put up a strong fight, adding 43 crucial runs for the final wicket, lifting Sri Lanka’s total to 171.
Theekshana set a new ODI World Cup record for the most balls faced by a No.9 batter with 91 deliveries, scoring an unbeaten 38, while Madushanka added 19.
Here are the top five scores by batters at No. 9 or lower in ODI World Cup history:
#5 Andy Bichel scored 64 runs from 83 balls against New Zealand in the 2003 World Cup
Former Australian fast bowler Andy Bichel was not only known for his bowling skills but also for his batting prowess. In a Super Six match against New Zealand, he scored an impressive 64 runs from 83 balls at No. 9.
This stands as the highest score by a bottom-three batter in ODI World Cups. Bichel’s innings helped Australia recover from a challenging situation, and they went on to win the match and maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.
This was Bichel’s only half-century in his ODI career, where he played 67 matches and had an average of 20.47.
#4 Guy de Alwis scored an unbeaten 59 runs from 56 balls against Pakistan in the 1983 World Cup
Former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Guy de Alwis achieved the second-highest score by a batter ranked at No.9 or lower in ODI World Cups. This remarkable feat took place in Sri Lanka’s first match of the 1983 edition against Pakistan in England.
Facing a challenging situation with Pakistan posting a substantial 338/9, Sri Lanka had slipped to 180/7 and seemed headed for defeat.
However, Guy de Alwis played a defiant innings, scoring an unbeaten 59 runs from 56 deliveries, helping Sri Lanka reach a respectable total of 288/9.
In his five-year international career, Guy de Alwis participated in 31 ODIs, amassing 401 runs at an average of 21.10 with two half-centuries.
#3 Jason Holder scored 57 runs from 64 deliveries against India in the 2015 World Cup
During the 2015 World Cup, Jason Holder, now recognized as one of the best all-rounders, was part of the lower order for West Indies.
In a must-win match against India after a defeat to South Africa, the West Indies’ top order was quickly dismissed by Indian pacers Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami.
With the score at 85/7, Holder, the captain, displayed resilience by scoring 57 runs from 74 deliveries. His effort helped West Indies reach a competitive total of 182.
However, India successfully chased the target in under 40 overs, resulting in the West Indies’ elimination from quarter-final contention.
#2 Jason Holder scored 56 runs from 48 deliveries against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup
During the 2015 World Cup, Jason Holder had a challenging day against South Africa, both as a bowler and a batsman. He started poorly by conceding 109 runs in his ten overs.
After a promising start, he struggled in the later part of his bowling spell, especially against AB de Villiers. Facing a massive target of 409 runs, West Indies had another top-order batting collapse, reaching 63/7.
In this dire situation, Holder played a valiant innings, scoring 56 runs from 48 balls. Despite his efforts, West Indies was eventually bowled out for 151, suffering a significant 257-run defeat.
Holder, initially known as a bowling all-rounder, has transformed into a reliable batsman, with several centuries and half-centuries in international cricket.
#1 Ian Butchart scored an unbeaten 54 runs from 70 deliveries against New Zealand in the 1987 World Cup
During the 1987 World Cup, Zimbabwe’s medium-pacer Iain Butchart played a crucial role in a lower-order fightback. In their opening match against New Zealand, Zimbabwe initially restricted their opponents to 242/7.
However, Zimbabwe’s response was in disarray at 104/7. Butchart’s remarkable batting, along with Dave Houghton, led to a substantial 117-run partnership that brought them close to victory.
Despite their efforts, Zimbabwe fell just three runs short of victory as Butchart scored 54 runs, marking his only half-century in his 21 international matches.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
