In One Day Internationals (ODIs), when two batters scored centuries in the same innings, it typically signals a dominant performance and almost guarantees a victory. Double hundreds in a team effort often mean that the opposition is under immense pressure, staring at a mountainous total. Yet, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. History has shown that even when two batters scored centuries, it doesn’t always end in celebration. Sometimes, despite the heroics with the bat, the team ends up on the losing side either due to extraordinary chases, bowling collapses, or last-over heartbreaks.
This article explores 10 such unforgettable ODI matches where two batters scored centuries but still had to walk back defeated. These instances showcase how even the most valiant batting efforts can fall short without collective team brilliance.
10. Rassie van der Dussen (129) & Aiden Markram (102) vs England – Chester-le-Street, 2023
When two batters scored centuries for South Africa, the visitors looked dominant with 339 on the board. But a Jonny Bairstow special saw England win with an over to spare in a thrilling run-chase.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rassie van der Dussen | 129 | 104 | 11 | 3 | Lost by 5 wickets |
| Aiden Markram | 102 | 93 | 8 | 2 | Lost despite 339/5 |
9. Tamim Iqbal (118) & Shakib Al Hasan (104) vs Pakistan – Dhaka, 2015
In one of Bangladesh’s finest batting shows, two batters scored centuries, giving the hosts a total of 329. However, Pakistan surprisingly chased it down with a blistering 131 from Mohammad Hafeez.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamim Iqbal | 118 | 116 | 14 | 1 | Lost by 4 wickets |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 104 | 95 | 10 | 1 | Lost despite 329/6 |
8. Babar Azam (103) & Mohammad Rizwan (104) vs England – Karachi, 2022
In a record 203-run partnership, two batters scored centuries and remained unbeaten, giving Pakistan a strong total. England chased it down on the final ball thanks to Moeen Ali and Harry Brook’s brilliance.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 103* | 113 | 9 | 1 | Lost by 1 wicket |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 104* | 101 | 8 | 2 | Lost despite 203/0 |
7. Chris Gayle (135) & Evin Lewis (121) vs England – Bridgetown, 2019
In a power-hitting fest, two batters scored centuries for West Indies, setting up a target of 361. England responded with a record run chase as Jason Roy (123) and Joe Root (102) countered the storm.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | 135 | 129 | 3 | 12 | Lost by 6 wickets |
| Evin Lewis | 121 | 99 | 10 | 5 | Lost despite 360/4 |
6. Martin Guptill (114) & Kane Williamson (108) vs India – Delhi, 2016
New Zealand’s batting clicked as two batters scored centuries, helping them reach 315. Yet India, led by Virat Kohli’s masterclass, chased it down with 11 balls to spare.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Guptill | 114 | 102 | 10 | 4 | Lost by 6 wickets |
| Kane Williamson | 108 | 104 | 9 | 1 | Lost despite 315/6 |
5. AB de Villiers (114) & Hashim Amla (109) vs India – Kanpur, 2015
When two batters scored centuries for South Africa, they posted 303. But Rohit Sharma’s counter-attack (150) kept India alive. The match went to the final over, and India fell just short but still gave a scare.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB de Villiers | 114 | 108 | 8 | 5 | Lost by 5 runs |
| Hashim Amla | 109 | 120 | 7 | 2 | Lost despite 303/5 |
4. Quinton de Kock (107) & Temba Bavuma (113) vs India – Lucknow, 2022
In a rain-curtailed 40-over-a-side match, two batters scored centuries for South Africa, setting a challenging 249. India, however, rode on KL Rahul’s classy 102* to win a thriller with one ball remaining.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | 107 | 84 | 10 | 3 | Lost by 4 wickets |
| Temba Bavuma | 113 | 97 | 9 | 2 | Lost despite 249/3 |
3. Fakhar Zaman (138) & Imam-ul-Haq (112) vs England – Southampton, 2019
In a high-scoring World Cup warm-up, two batters scored centuries for Pakistan. The openers stitched a 200+ stand. Yet, England chased down the 358-run target with relative ease, underlining their explosive depth.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | 138 | 106 | 12 | 4 | Lost by 6 wickets |
| Imam-ul-Haq | 112 | 103 | 11 | 1 | Lost despite 358/9 |
2. Tillakaratne Dilshan (160) & Kumar Sangakkara (105) vs India – Rajkot, 2009
When two batters scored centuries for Sri Lanka in a run-fest at Rajkot, they posted 411/8, then one of the highest ODI totals. But India responded with equal firepower, as Virender Sehwag (146) and others hunted down the target in the final over.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tillakaratne Dilshan | 160 | 124 | 18 | 3 | Lost by 3 wickets |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 105 | 87 | 10 | 2 | Lost despite 411/8 |
1. David Warner (163) & Steve Smith (105) vs South Africa – Johannesburg, 2016
Australia posted a mammoth 371/6, thanks to an opening blitz by Warner and Smith. The pair looked unstoppable, and when two batters scored centuries for Australia, most thought the match was over. But in a stunning twist, South Africa chased the target with four balls to spare, thanks to David Miller’s 118*.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Warner | 163 | 124 | 14 | 5 | Lost by 4 wickets |
| Steve Smith | 105 | 108 | 7 | 2 | Lost despite 371/6 |
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