The “Player of the Match” award is traditionally reserved for match-winners, those who lead their teams to victory through stellar performances. But cricket, in all its unpredictable beauty, doesn’t always follow tradition. There have been rare, emotionally-charged instances where the Player of the Match wasn’t from the winning team. These moments serve as a reminder that individual brilliance can sometimes shine brighter than the final scorecard.
This article examines 10 iconic matches where the Player of the Match stood tall despite being on the losing side. Whether due to unforgettable centuries, fiery spells, or Herculean resistance, these players etched their names in history, defying defeat to earn recognition.
10. Fakhar Zaman – 193 vs South Africa (Johannesburg, 2021)
Fakhar Zaman launched an astonishing counterattack in an ODI, scoring 193 in a 328-run chase. His innings featured power, precision, and heart, yet Pakistan fell short by 17 runs. His lone battle earned him the Player of the Match.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | 193 | 155 | 18 | 10 | Pakistan lost |
9. Shaun Pollock – 4/20 vs West Indies (Durban, 2004)
Pollock’s tight spell of 4 wickets for just 20 runs choked the Windies, but the South African batsmen failed to chase down a modest total. Pollock’s effort stood tall even in the loss, and he walked away with the Player of the Match.
Stat Table:
| Player | Wickets | Overs | Economy | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaun Pollock | 4 | 10 | 2.00 | South Africa lost |
8. Tamim Iqbal – 103 vs India (Dhaka, 2010)
Tamim gave Bangladesh a great start in a run chase against India, scoring 103 runs at a blazing pace. However, the rest of the lineup collapsed, and Bangladesh lost the game. Tamim was named Player of the Match for his aggressive, crowd-pleasing century.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamim Iqbal | 103 | 94 | 14 | 2 | Bangladesh lost |
7. Alastair Cook – 263 vs Pakistan (Abu Dhabi, 2015)
In a drawn Test match, Cook’s marathon 836-minute knock of 263 was an epic display of concentration and endurance. It helped England save the game, and though there was no outright winner, Cook was awarded Player of the Match for his remarkable innings in a losing position after the first innings.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Balls | Time Batted | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alastair Cook | 263 | 528 | 836 mins | Match Drawn |
6. Shahid Afridi – 76 & 5/35 vs India (Kanpur, 2005)
Afridi produced an all-round performance with 76 runs off 55 balls and figures of 5/35 in an ODI against India. Despite his effort, India chased the target down comfortably. His impact on the game, though, couldn’t be ignored, and he was named Player of the Match.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahid Afridi | 76 (55) | 5/35 | 3.88 | Pakistan lost |
5. Michael Bevan – 103 vs South Africa (Johannesburg, 2002)
In a thrilling chase, Michael Bevan struck an unbeaten 103 to take Australia to the brink of victory. However, Australia lost by 1 run in the last over. Bevan’s innings, hailed as one of the best in a losing cause, earned him the Player of the Match award.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Bevan | 103* | 105 | 6 | 2 | Australia lost by 1 run |
4. Sunil Ambris – 148 vs Ireland (Dublin, 2019)
In a high-scoring thriller during the Tri-Nation Series, West Indies’ Sunil Ambris scored 148 to help his team post 327. However, Ireland chased the target in a last-ball nail-biter. Ambris’ innings stood out, and he was named Player of the Match despite West Indies’ defeat.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunil Ambris | 148 | 126 | 19 | 1 | WI lost by 4 wickets |
3. Charles Coventry – 194 vs Bangladesh (Bulawayo, 2009)
Coventry matched the then-world record for the highest individual ODI score, slamming an unbeaten 194. Yet, Zimbabwe failed to defend their total of 312 as Bangladesh chased it down with 13 balls to spare. His remarkable innings earned him the Player of the Match despite the loss.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Coventry | 194* | 156 | 16 | 7 | Zimbabwe lost |
2. Andy Flower – 142 vs India (Nagpur, 2000)
Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower delivered a masterclass in Test batting, scoring an unbeaten 142 in the first innings and 55 in the second. Despite his resistance, Zimbabwe couldn’t avoid defeat as India clinched the match. Still, Flower was adjudged Player of the Match for his gritty performances on a tough pitch.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs (Innings) | 2nd Innings | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andy Flower | 142* | 55 | Zimbabwe lost |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 175 vs Australia (Hyderabad, 2009)
In a high-octane ODI clash with Australia, India was chasing a mammoth 351. Sachin Tendulkar played one of the most majestic innings of his career, scoring 175 off 141 balls. He single-handedly carried India within striking distance of victory before falling at 347. Despite India losing by just 3 runs, Tendulkar was named Player of the Match for his sublime effort.
Stat Table:
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 175 | 141 | 19 | 4 | India lost by 3 runs |
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