In the high-stakes world of One Day Internationals, the final over can often determine the fate of a match. Whether it’s chasing an improbable target or defending a modest total, pressure peaks when the bowler strides in for the last 6 balls. Over the years, some final overs in ODI history have turned into absolute carnage, with batsmen unleashing an onslaught and bowlers crumbling under pressure.
These moments are etched in memory not just for the thrill they offer, but for the sheer audacity and power displayed in the dying moments of the game. From match-winners to consolation fireworks, here are the top 10 most expensive final overs in ODI history that redefined what can happen in just six deliveries.
10. Mohammed Shami vs David Miller – 2022 (17 Runs)
Even a master of control like Shami wasn’t spared. David Miller launched a vicious assault in the final over in ODI action during a high-voltage match. With immaculate timing and fearlessness, he smacked Shami for 17 runs, reminding bowlers that no margin is safe at the death.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Context | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | David Miller | 17 | SA chasing last-over | 4, 6, 2, 2, 1, 2 |
9. Ben Stokes vs Kieron Pollard – 2017 (17 Runs)
When you speak of brute power in the final overs in ODI matches, Pollard’s name often pops up. Against England, Pollard muscled Stokes in the final over, taking 17 runs brutally. It wasn’t enough to win the match, but it certainly made the English sweat.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Stokes | Kieron Pollard | 17 | WI needed 20 off last | 4, 6, 2, 1, 4, 0 |
8. Nuwan Kulasekara vs Glenn Maxwell – 2015 (18 Runs)
Glenn Maxwell brought out the big guns in the last over with his signature switch hits and slog sweeps. Nuwan Kulasekara tried to keep it full and wide, but Maxwell was in a different zone altogether. This performance ranks high among the final overs in ODI where the batsman turned the match into a one-man show.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuwan Kulasekara | Glenn Maxwell | 18 | Australia batting last | 6, 4, 0, 4, 2, 2 |
7. Wayne Parnell vs Ross Taylor – 2014 (18 Runs)
This particular contest saw Ross Taylor turning the tables against a strong South African attack. Parnell was tasked with bowling the last over and crumbled as Taylor dispatched him for 18 runs, nearly turning the match around. Though NZ fell short, Taylor’s fireworks made it one of the most intense final overs in ODI memory.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Result | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne Parnell | Ross Taylor | 18 | SA narrowly won | 6, 4, 0, 4, 2, 2 |
6. Lasith Malinga vs Thisara Perera – 2013 (18 Runs)
Even one of the greatest death bowlers wasn’t spared in the cauldron of pressure. In a classic Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI, Thisara Perera bludgeoned Malinga for 18 in the final over. Despite Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers, Perera’s clean hits made it one of the top final overs in ODI drama.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | Thisara Perera | 18 | SL needed 17 off last | 4, 6, 2, 0, 6, 0 |
5. Craig White vs Yuvraj Singh – 2002 NatWest Series (19 Runs)
In the historic NatWest final, Yuvraj Singh launched a counterattack, hammering Craig White in one of the costliest final overs in ODI finals. His confidence set the stage for Kaif’s heroics and one of India’s most dramatic ODI victories. This over changed the narrative of the match completely and underlined Yuvraj’s reputation as a game-changer in pressure moments.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Context | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craig White | Yuvraj Singh | 19 | India is chasing 326 in the final | 6, 4, 4, 1, 2, 2 |
4. Ashish Nehra vs Abdul Razzaq – 2010 (20 Runs)
Pakistan was down and nearly out when Abdul Razzaq scripted one of the most memorable final overs in ODI blitzkriegs. With 15 needed off the last over, Razzaq smashed three towering sixes, finishing with 20 runs and snatching victory from India’s grasp. The crowd erupted as Razzaq stood tall – this remains one of the most painful final overs in ODI memory for Indian fans.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashish Nehra | Abdul Razzaq | 20 | Pakistan needed 15 | 6, 0, 6, 0, 6, 2 |
3. Stuart Broad vs MS Dhoni – 2007 (20 Runs)
This entry remains iconic in the annals of final overs in ODI history. Dhoni, not known for letting go of last-over chances, muscled Broad for 20 in the final over, sealing a comprehensive win for India in a chase. The over was filled with authority: short-arm jabs, lofted drives, and cool-headed running. Dhoni’s confidence turned a tricky finish into a walk in the park.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Broad | MS Dhoni | 20 | India chasing target | 6, 4, 2, 4, 2, 2 |
2. Mitchell Starc vs James Neesham – 2022 ODI Series (22 Runs)
In another thrilling moment among the final overs in ODI games, Neesham took Starc apart with brute strength. Chasing a mammoth total, Neesham fought valiantly till the end, hitting Starc for 22 in the last over, including a towering six and three boundaries. Though New Zealand lost, the final over fireworks were jaw-dropping, landing this moment among the most expensive final overs in ODI death bowling nightmares.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Result | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | James Neesham | 22 | Australia won | 4, 4, 6, 2, 4, 2 |
1. Dinesh Karthik vs Soumya Sarkar – 2018 Nidahas Trophy Final (22 Runs)
In one of the most unforgettable final overs in ODI and T20-style finals, Dinesh Karthik smashed Soumya Sarkar for 22 runs, finishing with a six off the last ball to win India the Nidahas Trophy. Although technically a T20I, the style and pace of the carnage reflect what we’ve seen in ODIs too. India needed 34 off the last two overs. Karthik scored 29 off 8 balls, taking 22 off the final over. It remains one of the most expensive and dramatic finishes, resembling top final overs in ODI crunch moments.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soumya Sarkar | Dinesh Karthik | 22 | India needed 12 off last ball | 6, 4, 6, 0, 2, 4, 6 |
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