Down but not out: Three lowest defended scores in ODI cricket
Unpredictability is one aspect that makes the game of cricket very unique. The fate of a match in cricket can turn in a matter of just a few minutes and this is what makes this game so beautiful and appealing. So through this article, we are taking a look at three games where prediction took a beating as the teams went on to register remarkable wins after failing to post totals that are conventionally not regarded as winning totals.
3. South Africa vs England 1996, Buffalo Park:
South Africa put in an impressive effort to defend a modest total of 129 against England in 1996. Batting first, the hosts were all out for just 129 in 41.4 overs. At one stage, they were reeling at 98 for 8 and it was Brian McMillan’s unbeaten knock of 45 that gave the Proteas a respectable total. For England, their pacer Darren Gough led the charge with the ball, taking 3 for 25. In reply, England were all out for just 115 as Fanie de Villiers (2-10) and Paul Adams (3 – 26) blew them away. Graeme Hick top-scored for England with 33 runs.
2. West Indies vs England 1981, Arnos Vale Ground:
West Indies’ thrilling two-run win over England during their home series in the 1980/81 season takes the number two spot. Without their talismanic batsman Vivian Richards, West Indies were all out for a paltry total of 127. Debutant Everton Mattis had scored more than half of the team’s runs as his 62-run knock helped the hosts reach a respectable total on the board. But the low score turned out to be more than enough as England crumbled in a spectacular fashion against Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Colin Croft and Joel Garner. Croft made the difference with the ball, taking 6 for just 15 to power West Indies to a famous win.
1. India vs Pakistan 1985, Sharjah Cricket Stadium:
At number one on our list is the thrilling ODI between India and Pakistan in 1985 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. India and Pakistan are two of the fiercest rivals in the game and any contest between them never disappoints. One such thrilling contest took place in 1985 when India beat Pakistan by 38 runs despite managing to score only 125. Having lost the finals of the Benson and Hedges World Championship in Melbourne a couple of weeks earlier, Pakistan had revenge on their mind. Their star allrounder Imran Khan also gave them a big opportunity to avenge the loss by taking 6 for just 14 to help Pakistan bowl out their arch-rivals for just 125. But Pakistan’s batsmen failed to deliver as they were all out for just 87.
