Great performances are excellent, regardless of the result!
Despite outstanding innings not translating into a team win, the efforts of these players resonate with fans and leave a lasting impact. Here, we highlight the top innings that featured monumental ODI knocks but ultimately resulted in a losing cause!
Another notable performance by Tendulkar finds its place on this list. In the tri-series, Coca-Cola Cup featuring India, Australia, and New Zealand, India scored 254 to qualify for the final. Initially chasing a target of 284 for victory, Tendulkar displayed no signs of slowing down, even when play was delayed. The target was later reduced to 276 in 47 overs, with India needing 237 to qualify. At a particular juncture, it seemed like India might secure the victory. Still, any hopes were dashed when an ambitious attempt by Tendulkar to hook a slower bouncer from Damian Fleming disrupted their chances of winning.
The 7-match ODI series between Australia and India was deadlocked at 2-2. Having won the toss, Australia opted to bat first and posted a formidable total of 350 runs. Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson played pivotal roles, scoring 112 and 93, respectively. While Sachin Tendulkar showcased excellent timing and shot precision, wickets fell at the other end. Apart from the early dismissals of Sehwag and later Raina, no middle-order Indian batsman managed to reach double figures. Despite a promising partnership with Raina, it seemed like India was on the verge of a historic victory. However, with only 19 runs needed from 18 balls and four wickets in hand, Tendulkar, at 175 runs, attempted to hook a slower delivery from Clint McKay over the fine leg. Unfortunately, he was caught by Nathan Hauritz, shattering Indian hopes and altering the course of the match.
Nasser Hussain, recognised more for his captaincy than his batting, was facing a challenging phase in the series. Beyond the usual critics and analysts, even respected former players were advocating for Hussain to be sidelined. In the final encounter of the series, Hussain showcased his mental resilience. Despite facing a demanding spell from the Indian bowling attack and playing the anchor role, he produced his second career century at Lord's on that day. After England opener Nick Knight's early dismissal, Hussain (115) held the fort for nearly 40 overs. In an era when anything above 275 was considered a winning score, his innings contributed to England, setting a formidable target of 326 runs in front of India. However, that day, a remarkable performance by Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif prevented Nasser Hussain from clinching the victory.
Mahela Jayawardene's remarkable innings of 103 against India in the 2011 World Cup final left a lasting impression. Historically, when a player achieved a century in the final, their team tended to emerge victorious. Exiting the field after his century, Jayawardene likely believed he had played a pivotal role in securing his team's triumph. His brilliant innings, spanning 88 balls, showcased impeccable stroke play. Jayawardene adeptly rotated the strike and took charge of the Sri Lankan attack after the dismissal of Sangakkara, receiving support from Nuwan Kulasekara and Thisara Perera. Regrettably, despite the brilliance of his innings, it ended in defeat. Given the immense pressure a player faces in a World Cup final, Jayawardene's masterpiece with the bat, unfortunately, proved to be in vain!
As a team sport, cricket occasionally witnesses instances where individual brilliance falls short of securing a victory. On numerous occasions, a batsman delivered a remarkable performance but found themselves on the losing side.
