Lowest strike rate knocks in an ODI innings
Batters in the ODI format are known for their fluent stroke-making abilities and for keeping the scoreboard ticking in the process. But every once in a while, the batters will come up against a formidable bowling unit or troubling pitch conditions that make them change their approach. But usually, it’s just poor form that accounts for their sluggishness on the pitch.
Here is a look at the three lowest strike-rate innings in an ODI:
- Ramesh Sethi against England (1975) – 29.41
Ramesh Sethi was part of the East Africa team that took on England in the ninth match of the World Cup (then Prudential World Cup) in Birmingham. The African side were the massive underdogs in the match, and the gulf in their quality showed on the pitch. England put up a score of 290 runs on the board. In reply to England’s total, East Africa was bundled out for 94 runs. Although Ramesh Sethi top-scored for his team with 30 runs, it came in 102 balls at a poor strike rate of 29.41.
- Peter Kirsten against West Indies in 1993 – 24.39
Peter Kirsten was a giant in the domestic circuit of South Africa with over 22000 runs in First-Class cricket with 57 centuries and 107 half-centuries to his name. The top-order batter made his ODI debut for the Proteas at the ripe age of 36 and represented them in 40 matches. Kirsten was a very dependable batter for the South African side, but his worst outing came for them in an ODI against West Indies in 1993, when he scored 30 runs off 123 balls ata horrid strike rate of 24.39.
- Sunil Gavaskar against England in 1975 – 20.68
The legendary diminutive figure is regarded by many as the greatest opener to have graced the gentleman’s game. But before he became a record-breaking batting great, Sunil Gavaskar endured one of the most horrid times of his career at the crease against England, in the opening match of the inaugural World Cup in 1975. England set a massive target of 334 on the board for the Indians. In reply, the Indian Team could manage only 132 runs in their 60 overs quota, and Sunil Gavaskar contributed with 36 off 174 at an abysmal strike rate of 20.68.
