Shortest completed innings ODIs by balls bowled
The One Day Internationals is one of the toughest formats where one or two good innings from the batters or a good bowling spell can change the complexion of the game. While ODIs are considered to be a long format, on a few occasions, certain exceptional performances led to their conclusion in real quick time. Without further ado, here’s a look at three of those instances in terms of the number of balls bowled.
3. Australia vs Namibia, 2003 (84)
Namibia occupy the third spot in this category as they were defeated comprehensively by Australia, led by the talismanic Ricky Ponting, in a group fixture of the 2003 World Cup at Potchefstroom on February 27, 2003. The Aussies posted a mammoth 301/6 riding on opener Matthew Hayden’s 73-ball 88. In reply, the Namibians were skittled our for just 45 in exactly 14 overs. The Namibian innings ended in just 84 balls as they went down by a mammoth 256 runs.
2. Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 2017 (83)
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan locked horns in the fifth One Day International at the Harare Sports Club on February 26, 2017. The Afghans posted a fighting total of 253/9 after electing to bat first riding on Rahmat Shah’s brilliant 50.
The hosts had to chase a revised target of 161 in 22 overs due to rain. However, they made an absolute mess of a gettable target as they suffered an awkward batting collapse and were bundled out for just 54 in 13.5 overs. It took Afghanistan just 83 balls to dismiss the Zimbabweans and register a convincing 106-run victory (D/L Method).
- USA vs Nepal, 2020 (72)
Surprisingly, it is an associate nation that occupies the top spot on this not-so-impressive list and it happens to be the United States of America. USA and Nepal locked horns in an ICC CWC League 2 match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on February 12, 2020. After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the hosts dismissed America for a paltry 35 in exactly 12 overs and chased down the target without breaking a sweat by eight wickets in the sixth over. The US innings could only last for 72 deliveries.
