In the world of One Day Internationals (ODIs), the glamour often goes to the top-order batters, the openers, the anchors, and the finishers. However, the sport has always had room for dramatic plot twists, none more thrilling than the moments when unlikely heroes emerge from the lower order. In several iconic ODIs, it was the No. 8 or lower-order batsman who held their nerve to score the winning runs, turning improbable situations into unforgettable victories.
Whether it was slogging the final boundary, stealing a nervy single, or standing tall amidst a collapse, these players etched their names into cricket folklore with their timing and composure. In this article, we dive into the Top 10 ODIs where the No. 8 or Lower Scored the Winning Runs, reliving the most unexpected and heart-pounding conclusions where the lower order defied the odds. The winning runs weren’t just numbers on the scoreboard—they were moments of inspiration, resilience, and sheer willpower.
10. Ravichandran Ashwin vs Sri Lanka – Colombo, 2012
During a tricky chase, Ashwin, batting at No. 8, partnered with Irfan Pathan in a steady stand. He calmly tapped a single to midwicket to register the winning runs, closing out a match that had seen multiple swings in momentum.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Ashwin’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Wickets in Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs SL, 5th ODI 2012 | Colombo | 252 | No. 8 | Single to midwicket | 1 wicket |
9. Ish Sodhi vs Bangladesh – Dunedin, 2017
With the game slipping away from New Zealand, Ish Sodhi arrived at No. 9 and stood firm. In the final over, he pushed a delivery gently to long-off and sprinted through for a single to score the winning runs, helping New Zealand escape a potential loss.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Sodhi’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Balls Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ vs BAN, 2nd ODI 2017 | Dunedin | 237 | No. 9 | Push to long-off | 4 balls |
8. Lungi Ngidi vs Australia – Bloemfontein, 2023
In an evenly poised chase, South Africa had lost 9 wickets with just a few runs needed. Lungi Ngidi, batting at No. 10, flicked two to midwicket, scoring the winning runs in a contest that saw contributions from every part of the batting order.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Ngidi’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Wickets in Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA vs AUS, 3rd ODI 2023 | Bloemfontein | 251 | No. 10 | Two to midwicket | 1 wicket |
7. Jofra Archer vs Australia – Southampton, 2020
A low-scoring thriller saw England needing 8 off the last over. Jofra Archer, batting at No. 9, sliced a four through third man to bring up the winning runs, wrapping up a nervy contest in style and displaying composure beyond his bowling reputation.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Archer’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Balls Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG vs AUS, 2nd ODI 2020 | Southampton | 232 | No. 9 | Edge for four | 1 ball |
6. Mitchell Starc vs West Indies – Canberra, 2013
Though often known for his lethal bowling, Mitchell Starc played the finisher’s role in this ODI. With 1 run needed, Starc, at No. 10, tapped the ball to point and ran a single, scoring the winning runs in a tight match that had seen both teams struggle for rhythm.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Starc’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Overs Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS vs WI, 3rd ODI 2013 | Canberra | 221 | No. 10 | Single to point | 2.1 overs |
5. Mohammad Amir vs Afghanistan – Leeds, 2019
With Pakistan needing just 2 to win in a low-scoring World Cup thriller, Mohammad Amir, batting at No. 10, calmly guided the ball to fine leg and ran two. His composure ensured that the winning runs came without further drama, avoiding what could have been a shocking upset.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Amir’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Balls Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAK vs AFG, WC 2019 | Leeds | 228 | No. 10 | Two off Naib | 2 balls |
4. Kagiso Rabada vs India – Johannesburg, 2018
In a rain-affected chase of 202 (DLS), South Africa stumbled to 145/6. Heinrich Klaasen was the standout, but it was Kagiso Rabada, batting at No. 8, who nudged the winning runs to seal a crucial win in the Pink ODI, keeping the series alive.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target (DLS) | Rabada’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Overs Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA vs IND, 4th ODI 2018 | Johannesburg | 202 | No. 8 | Single off Bhuvneshwar | 5.3 overs |
3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Sri Lanka – Colombo, 2021
India was on the brink of defeat at 193/7, chasing 276. Deepak Chahar anchored one end, but it was Bhuvneshwar Kumar at No. 8 who finished it. He struck a calm two off Lakshan Sandakan to register the winning runs, capping off an 84-run partnership that stunned the hosts.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Bhuvneshwar’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Balls Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs SL, 2nd ODI 2021 | Colombo | 276 | No. 8 | Two off Sandakan | 5 balls |
2. Harbhajan Singh vs Pakistan – Asia Cup, 2010
This Indo-Pak clash had it all: tension, banter, and brilliance. With 7 needed off 5, Harbhajan Singh faced Saeed Ajmal. After launching a huge six, he took a composed single to score the winning runs, securing a famous one-wicket win and silencing Shoaib Akhtar, who had exchanged words moments earlier.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Harbhajan’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Balls Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2010 | Dambulla | 268 | No. 9 | Single off Ajmal | 1 ball |
1. James Faulkner vs England – Brisbane, 2014
When Australia’s top and middle order collapsed chasing 301, the game looked lost. Enter James Faulkner, batting at No. 9. He launched a sensational counterattack, smashing 69* off 47 balls. With three balls left, he punched a boundary off Tim Bresnan to score the winning runs, completing one of ODI’s most unforgettable finishes.
Match Summary:
| Match | Venue | Target | Faulkner’s Batting Position | Winning Runs Shot | Balls Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia vs England, 2nd ODI 2014 | Brisbane | 301 | No. 9 | Four off Bresnan | 3 balls |
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