In ODI cricket, small margins often make the biggest differences. Among the various elements that can swing a game, extras conceded by a team are often seen as avoidable errors, free runs gifted to the opposition. These extras include wides, no-balls, leg byes, and byes. Usually, high extras indicate poor control or discipline by the bowling side and often tilt the game in favour of the batting team.
However, there have been some truly fascinating instances in ODI history where teams have emerged victorious despite conceding a truckload of extras. In such matches, either the batting unit rose to the occasion or the bowlers redeemed themselves at key moments. These moments stand out because they defy the norm: concessions by a team’s extras did not lead to defeat, but rather featured in epic wins.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 matches where a team conceded the most extras in a winning ODI effort.
10. New Zealand vs India – Christchurch, 2009
New Zealand conceded 26 extras while chasing down India’s target. Despite the loose bowling, they executed their chase with clinical precision. Another example where extras conceded by a team didn’t hinder the winning cause.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand vs India | AMI Stadium, Christchurch | March 8, 2009 | 26 | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
9. Bangladesh vs West Indies – Dhaka, 2018
Bangladesh’s bowlers were wayward, giving up 27 extras, but the batsmen ensured a defendable target was set. Their discipline in the field made sure that extras conceded by a team didn’t cost them the match.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh vs West Indies | Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka | December 14, 2018 | 27 | Bangladesh won by 36 runs |
8. Sri Lanka vs India – Colombo (RPS), 1997
In a rain-affected match, Sri Lanka leaked 28 extras while defending a modest total. Despite the bowling lapses, their experienced batters ensured a narrow win, proving once again that extras conceded by a team don’t always lead to disaster.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka vs India | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | August 17, 1997 | 28 | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets (DLS) |
7. Pakistan vs Zimbabwe – Lahore, 2015
In a high-scoring clash, Pakistan returned to international cricket at home by beating Zimbabwe despite giving away 29 extras. A symbolic victory that showcased how extras conceded by a team can be overcome with heart.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan vs Zimbabwe | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | May 29, 2015 | 29 | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
6. India vs South Africa – Gwalior, 2010
South Africa conceded 30 extras as India piled on a huge score, including the historic double-century by Sachin Tendulkar. The Proteas were demolished, with extras conceded by a team having no bearing on the final result.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs South Africa | Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior | February 24, 2010 | 30 | India won by 153 runs |
5. Australia vs India – Nagpur, 2007
Australia were sloppy with the ball, leaking 31 extras including 15 wides and 6 no-balls. But their explosive batting, led by Symonds, made up for the indiscipline. A classic example of how extras conceded by a team were overshadowed by dominant batting.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia vs India | Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur | October 14, 2007 | 31 | Australia won by 123 runs |
4. India vs Zimbabwe – Guwahati, 2002
India gave away 32 extras, but their top-order batting lineup ensured they chased down the Zimbabwean total comfortably. The extras conceded by a team could have made things tricky, but strong batting nullified the risk.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Zimbabwe | Nehru Stadium, Guwahati | December 5, 2002 | 32 | India won by 6 wickets |
3. West Indies vs India – Port of Spain, 2011
West Indies conceded 33 extras, which included a staggering 19 wides. Yet their bowlers still restricted India and helped seal a convincing win. A rare occasion where extras conceded by a team had little impact on the outcome.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies vs India | Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain | June 13, 2011 | 33 | West Indies won by 103 runs |
2. England vs Pakistan – Nottingham, 2016
England set a world record by scoring 444/3. During Pakistan’s futile chase, England’s bowlers conceded 34 extras, mostly from wides and no-balls. Despite that, the English dominance remained unshaken.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Pakistan | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | August 30, 2016 | 34 | England won by 169 runs |
1. India vs Pakistan – Karachi, 2004
In what is still remembered as one of the most thrilling ODIs ever, India conceded a shocking 37 extras yet still managed to pull off a dramatic win by 5 runs. India had put up 349 on the board, and despite a blistering century by Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan fell just short.
Stats Table:
| Match | Venue | Date | Extras Conceded by a Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Pakistan | National Stadium, Karachi | March 13, 2004 | 37 | India won by 5 runs |
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