Moments where both captains scored centuries are rare gems in ODI history. These contests are not just statistical oddities; they are symbolic duels of mind and might, showcasing captains rising to the challenge under pressure. Such encounters reveal the psyche of leadership in cricket, how captains set the tone, anchor innings, and sometimes, drag their team single-handedly toward victory or a respectable fight.
This article chronicles the top 10 ODIs where both captains scored centuries, each match a riveting chapter in cricket folklore. From record-breaking chases to heartbreak defeats, these matches prove that when leaders lead with the bat, fireworks are guaranteed.
10. Jos Buttler (England) vs Temba Bavuma (South Africa) – Bloemfontein, 2023
In a recent encounter, both captains scored centuries with electric strokeplay. Bavuma’s 109 propelled South Africa to 298. Buttler, England’s white-ball maestro, led a furious chase with a thrilling 131*, yet England narrowly lost by 6 runs in a pulsating finish.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma | South Africa | 109 (102) | 10/1 | South Africa won by 6 runs |
| Jos Buttler | England | 131* (115) | 12/4 | — |
9. Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) vs Azhar Ali (Pakistan) – Dhaka, 2015
A landmark game in South Asian cricket where both captains scored centuries in a record-laden clash. Azhar’s 101 took Pakistan to 292. Tamim Iqbal, leading with dominance, responded with a match-winning 132, helping Bangladesh win a bilateral series against Pakistan for the first time.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azhar Ali | Pakistan | 101 (116) | 9/1 | Bangladesh won by 7 wickets |
| Tamim Iqbal | Bangladesh | 132 (135) | 15/3 | — |
8. Michael Clarke (Australia) vs MS Dhoni (India) – Adelaide, 2012
In a run-fest Down Under, both captains scored centuries with calm authority. Clarke’s 117 built a solid foundation for Australia. Dhoni, playing the long game, hit a near-run-a-ball 113* but fell short of winning the match as India lacked late support.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Clarke | Australia | 117 (115) | 10/1 | Australia won by 11 runs |
| MS Dhoni | India | 113* (112) | 8/2 | — |
7. Mashrafe Mortaza (Bangladesh) vs Elton Chigumbura (Zimbabwe) – Mirpur, 2015
A lesser-known but thrilling encounter where both captains scored centuries. Mortaza, more known for bowling, stunned everyone with a surprise 102. Chigumbura replied with 104, but Bangladesh edged ahead, defending 285 in a tight finish.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mashrafe Mortaza | Bangladesh | 102 (90) | 8/5 | Bangladesh won by 10 runs |
| Elton Chigumbura | Zimbabwe | 104 (98) | 9/4 | — |
6. Kane Williamson (New Zealand) vs Steve Smith (Australia) – Auckland, 2017
In a Trans-Tasman thriller, both captains scored centuries as Smith and Williamson showcased calm aggression. Smith’s 108 set the tone. Williamson, with his signature finesse, anchored the chase with a stylish 112*, helping New Zealand clinch victory in the final over.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Smith | Australia | 108 (104) | 9/1 | New Zealand won by 1 wicket |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 112* (107) | 10/1 | — |
5. Ricky Ponting (Australia) vs Brian Lara (West Indies) – Johannesburg, 2006
A battle of legends where both captains scored centuries in a high-scoring ODI at the Bullring. Ponting hammered 121 to lift Australia to 332. Lara, in vintage flair, replied with a 111-run masterpiece, but the Windies fell short despite the captain’s valiant effort.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | 121 (127) | 12/2 | Australia won by 45 runs |
| Brian Lara | West Indies | 111 (94) | 10/2 | — |
4. AB de Villiers (South Africa) vs Brendan Taylor (Zimbabwe) – Bulawayo, 2014
In an unexpected thriller, both captains scored centuries in an ODI that saw Zimbabwe punch above their weight. Taylor’s 109 gave Zimbabwe a fighting total of 278. But AB de Villiers’ counter-punching 109*, laced with power and precision, saw South Africa through.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brendan Taylor | Zimbabwe | 109 (105) | 9/3 | South Africa won by 3 wickets |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 109* (101) | 8/4 | — |
3. Aaron Finch (Australia) vs Virat Kohli (India) – Rajkot, 2020
In another high-scoring Indo-Aussie affair, both captains scored centuries as Finch and Warner put on a 231-run stand. Finch’s 110 ensured Australia crossed 300. Kohli, known for his chasing prowess, scored a composed 104 and guided India home with help from Rahul and Iyer.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Finch | Australia | 110 (114) | 11/2 | India won by 6 wickets |
| Virat Kohli | India | 104 (95) | 8/1 | — |
2. Andrew Strauss (England) vs Sachin Tendulkar (India) – Bangalore, 2011 World Cup
This World Cup thriller saw both captains score centuries in one of the most dramatic ties in World Cup history. Tendulkar’s classical 120 set a target of 339. Strauss, showing grit and resilience, responded with a valiant 158, his best ODI knock. Both innings were masterclasses under pressure, as the game ended in a thrilling tie.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Strauss | England | 158 (145) | 18/1 | England tied with India |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 120 (115) | 10/5 | — |
1. Virat Kohli (India) vs Steven Smith (Australia) – Sydney, 2016
In a high-octane chase at the SCG, both captains scored centuries in a match that became an instant classic. Smith’s elegant 117 anchored Australia’s imposing 330/7. Kohli responded with a fluent 106, keeping India in the hunt till the death overs. Though India fell short by just 5 runs, it was a majestic contest between two modern greats, leading from the front.
| Captain | Team | Runs | Balls | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Smith | Australia | 117 (117) | 117 | Australia won by 5 runs |
| Virat Kohli | India | 106 (92) | 106 |
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