Top 10 Times Bench Players Became Match Winners in Knockout Games

In cricket, knockout games are the ultimate stage, where pressure peaks, nerves are tested, and legends are born. But while stars often seize the spotlight, there are rare and magical moments when bench players, those left out of the regular playing XI, rise to the occasion and become Match Winners in Knockout games.

Whether they were recalled after injuries, brought in as tactical surprises, or picked because of sudden form dips in others, these cricketers defied expectations when it mattered the most. Their performances didn’t just swing games; they created moments that will be etched in cricketing folklore forever.

Here are the Top 10 Times Bench Players Became Match Winners in Knockout Games in international cricket history, proof that sometimes the best performances come from the most unexpected corners.

10. Mitchell Marsh – T20 World Cup Final 2021 (Australia vs New Zealand)

Mitchell Marsh had only recently returned to Australia’s T20 setup and wasn’t seen as a consistent starter. But in the final, he smashed a stunning 77* off 50 balls, guiding Australia to their first T20 World Cup title and establishing himself as one of the biggest Match Winners in Knockout showdowns.

Stats Table:

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Opposition	Match	Result
Mitchell Marsh	77*	50	6	4	New Zealand	T20 WC Final 2021	AUS Won

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Champions Trophy Final 2013 (India vs England)

Bhuvi was relatively new and not India’s leading bowler. But in the rain-affected final, his early breakthroughs set the tone, helping India defend a modest total. He announced himself as one of the promising Match Winners in Knockout cricket for India.

Stats Table:

Player	Overs	Runs Conceded	Wickets	Economy	Opposition	Match	Result
Bhuvneshwar Kumar	5	19	2	3.8	England	CT Final 2013	IND Won

8. Ryan Sidebottom – T20 World Cup Final 2010 (England vs Australia)

Having been in and out of England’s T20 plans, Sidebottom was chosen in the XI for the final. He rose to the occasion, delivering a spell of 2/26 that put the brakes on Australia’s batting. His swing bowling was crucial and marked him as one of the surprise Match Winners in Knockout finals.

Stat Table:

Player	Overs	Runs Conceded	Wickets	Economy	Opposition	Match	Result
Ryan Sidebottom	4	26	2	6.5	Australia	T20 WC Final 2010	ENG Won

7. Joginder Sharma – T20 World Cup Final 2007 (India vs Pakistan)

Joginder was barely known before the T20 World Cup. But in the final, Dhoni trusted him with the last over. He dismissed Misbah-ul-Haq and sealed India’s win in a nail-biting thriller. A once-in-a-lifetime moment for one of India’s most unexpected Match Winners in Knockout scenarios.

Stat Table:

Player	Overs	Runs Conceded	Wickets	Final Over Highlight	Opposition	Match	Result
Joginder Sharma	3.3	20	2	Wicket of Misbah-ul-Haq	Pakistan	T20 WC Final 2007	IND Won

6. Pathum Nissanka – Asia Cup Final 2022 (Sri Lanka vs Pakistan)

Initially not a guaranteed starter, Nissanka was brought in during the latter half of the tournament. In the final, his steady knock of 55 laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s eventual win. He became one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable Match Winners in Knockout finals.

Stat Table:

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Opposition	Match	Result
Pathum Nissanka	55	45	6	1	Pakistan	Asia Cup Final 2022	SL Won

5. Doug Bollinger – Champions Trophy Semi-final 2009 (Australia vs England)

With Australia facing injuries to key pacers, Doug Bollinger was called in from the bench for the semi-final. He responded with a fiery spell, taking 3 crucial wickets and rattling England’s top order. His unexpected impact was pivotal among Match Winners in Knockout games.

Stat Table:

Player	Overs	Runs Conceded	Wickets	Economy	Opposition	Match	Result
Doug Bollinger	8.3	28	3	3.29	England	CT Semi-final 2009	AUS Won

4. Moeen Ali – T20 World Cup Semi-final 2022 (England vs India)

Moeen Ali wasn’t a regular starter in the tournament but was brought in for the semi-final for strategic depth. Though he only bowled two overs, his two wickets broke India’s rhythm and helped England dominate the contest. A prime example of tactical Match Winners in Knockout roles.

Stat Table:

Player	Overs	Runs Conceded	Wickets	Economy	Opposition	Match	Result
Moeen Ali	2	19	2	9.5	India	T20 WC Semi-final 2022	ENG Won

3. Alex Carey – ODI World Cup Semi-final 2023 (Australia vs South Africa)

Carey was dropped mid-tournament for poor form but made a stunning comeback in the semi-final. On a tricky pitch against South Africa, he played a composed knock of 49* and stitched vital partnerships. His calmness under pressure made him one of the unsung Match Winners in Knockout matches.

Stat Table:

Player	Runs	Balls	Dismissal	Opposition	Match	Result
Alex Carey	49*	62	Not Out	South Africa	2023 WC Semi-final	AUS Won

2. Mohammad Kaif – NatWest Final 2002 (India vs England)

Mohammad Kaif was far from a first-choice middle-order batsman in India’s ODI squad. But when given a chance in the NatWest Final at Lord’s, he responded with an unforgettable 87* off 75 balls, guiding India to a historic 325-run chase. His innings remains a benchmark for Match Winners in Knockout games.

Stat Table:

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Opposition	Match	Result
Mohammad Kaif	87*	75	6	2	England	NatWest Final 2002	IND Won

1. Ajinkya Rahane – World Test Championship Final 2023 (India vs Australia)

After being out of the Indian Test team for over a year, Ajinkya Rahane was called up for the WTC Final due to injuries to key players. Facing a rampaging Australian attack at The Oval, Rahane displayed grit and composure, scoring a crucial 89 in the first innings. While India lost, his knock stood out as one of the most resilient innings by a bench player turned Match Winner in Knockout contexts.

Stat Table:

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Opposition	Match	Result
Ajinkya Rahane	89	129	11	1	Australia	WTC Final 2023	AUS Won

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