The Extras Game: 5 ODIs in 21st century with the most extras bowled
The number of extra runs conceded in an ODI innings is gradually coming down in the last couple of years. The change in rules did contribute to this evolution in the past two decades. A maximum of one bouncer per over came into existence from 2001 and was increased to two per over in the last decade. The free-hit penalty for bowling no-balls did bring a bit of discipline in the bowlers.
But here are some ODI matches with the most extras bowled in the 21st century:
India vs Pakistan, Ahmedabad 2005 – 65 extras
The game between India and Pakistan in Ahmedabad during the 2005 series saw both teams score well over 300 runs in a match that was reduced to 48 overs-a-side. But almost 10% of them came through extras as both teams collectively gave away 65 runs. Pakistan conceded 39 extras during the Indian innings of 315/6 with 15 wides and 15 no-balls. India lost the game on the very last ball, conceding 26 extra runs in the game.
Bermuda vs Ireland, Nairobi 2007 – 66 extras
Ireland and Bermuda clashed ahead of the 2007 World Cup in Kenya where the game between the two witnessed a total of 66 runs coming through extras. Ireland conceded 35 extra runs including 25 wides to let Bermuda post 275/8 in their 50 overs. In reply, Ireland chased down the target with 8 balls and 4 wickets to spare having benefited by 31 extra runs.
India vs Pakistan, Mohali 2007 – 67 extras
Pakistan’s tour of India in 2007 was more of a one-sided contest in the favour of India but the game at PCA Stadium in Mohali turned out to be a thriller. Sachin Tendulkar’s 99 helped India get to 321/9 with as many as 41 extra runs coming including 31 wides. India lost the game on the penultimate ball as they conceded 26 extra runs and extended the match tally of 67 runs.
Pakistan vs India, Lahore 2004 – 67 extras
The 2004 ODI series between Pakistan and India saw high-scoring thrillers and most of them were aided by extras by both the teams. In the 4th ODI hosted by Lahore, Pakistan posted 293/9 with help of Inzamam-ul-Haq’s century and 30 extras from the Indian team. India chased it down losing five wickets despite no player scoring a hundred. A total of 37 runs of their chase came through extras.
India vs Australia, Wankhede 2007 – 69 extras
A total of 69 runs came through extras when India and Australia fought out in a thriller at the Wankhede Stadium in 2007. Australia, who batted first, were bowled out for 193 as Murali Kartik bagged a 6-wicket haul. Indians conceded 33 runs through extras with 26 of them being wides. Later, Australia lost the game by two wickets where they gave away 36 extras that included 20 wides. Quite interestingly, the 2nd highest contributions for both teams in this match came through the extra runs.
