The 2023 ODI World Cup is nearing its end as teams prepare for their final league-stage matches, and the semi-finals are taking shape after New Zealand’s strong win over Sri Lanka.
The tournament has seen remarkable batting performances due to the modern style of the game and favorable subcontinent conditions. From Glenn Maxwell’s double century to Aiden Markram’s rapid record-breaking ton, it has been a batsman-friendly tournament as expected.
On occasions, lower-order batsmen have played a crucial role by contributing valuable runs when the top order, middle order, and all-rounders have set the stage.
It has been demonstrated that even the bowlers, at times, can wield the bat effectively and prove they are not mere liabilities. Here are the five occasions when the main bowler made notable contributions with the bat:
#5 Maheesh Theekshana’s 38* off 91 against New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
In Sri Lanka’s final 2023 ODI World Cup league-stage match against New Zealand, Maheesh Theekshana played a determined unbeaten innings of 91 balls, helping his team reach 171 all-out in 46.4 overs.
His improved batting performance in 2023 is evident, with three of his top five ODI scores achieved this year, and he’s second on the list of players facing the most deliveries from the No. 9 or lower batting position in a single ODI innings.
#4 Kasun Rajitha’s 33 runs off 31 balls against South Africa at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi
During Sri Lanka’s run-chase against South Africa in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kasun Rajitha, who had earlier conceded 90 runs as a bowler, played a crucial role with the bat.
He came in at No. 9 and formed a strong partnership with captain Dasun Shanaka. Rajitha scored 33 runs from 31 deliveries, including four fours and a six, helping Sri Lanka reach the 300-run mark and narrowing the margin of defeat.
#3 Gus Atkinson’s innings of 35 runs from 21 balls against South Africa at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai
In England’s match against South Africa at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, their lower-order batsmen provided a stern challenge to the South African bowlers.
Gus Atkinson, in his World Cup debut, not only contributed with the ball but also played a crucial role with the bat. Batting at No. 9, he scored a rapid 35 runs from 21 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries.
Alongside Mark Wood, they put together a vital 70-run partnership for the ninth wicket. However, despite their efforts, England suffered their largest-ever defeat in ODI cricket.
#2 Mark Wood’s innings of 43 runs from 17 balls against South Africa at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium
As mentioned previously, Mark Wood took on the South African bowlers in the latter stages of the match between England and South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium.
Although he had disappointing bowling figures of 0-76 from seven overs in the first innings, he made a significant contribution with the bat during the run chase.
His explosive innings of 43 runs from just 17 deliveries, which featured two fours and five sixes, was also England’s highest individual score in the match. Despite his efforts, England was eventually bowled out for 170 runs in 22 overs during their run chase.
#1 Keshav Maharaj scored 40 runs from 37 deliveries against the Netherlands at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala
Keshav Maharaj, known for scoring the winning runs in South Africa’s historic one-wicket win over Pakistan, showcased his improving batting skills during a match against the Netherlands in Dharamshala.
In that game, he scored 40 runs from 37 deliveries, featuring five fours and a six, but despite his spirited effort, South Africa fell short in their run chase and were bowled out for 207 runs.
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