Some of the finest left-handed batsmen in cricket have effortlessly captured the essence and elegance of the game with their outstanding performances. Here, we’ll highlight five of the most impressive innings played by remarkable left-handed batsmen in recent times, across all formats.
5. Saeed Anwar – 194 vs India
Saeed Anwar in full throttle against India
In the sixth game of the 1997 Pepsi Independence Cup, Pakistan’s opener Saeed Anwar scored his highest ODI total ever of 194 runs from 146 balls against India. This outstanding performance led Pakistan to a total of 327-5 in their 50 overs. Anwar was just one shot away from a double century, falling short due to a delivery from India’s part-time spinner, Sachin Tendulkar.
For more than 12 years, Anwar’s innings was the highest individual score in ODI cricket until Zimbabwe’s Charles Coventry equaled it in August 2009.
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4. Ben Stokes – 135* vs Australia
Ben Stokes celebrating England’s win over Australia
In the third Test of the 2019 Ashes at Headingley, England faced a daunting target of 359 runs. At 159-4, they were in trouble. Ben Stokes came in after Joe Denly was out at 141-3, and shortly after, Joe Root fell to a fired-up Nathan Lyon.
Despite the mounting pressure, Stokes drew on the heroics of his World Cup final performance from just a month earlier. He played a remarkable innings, scoring 135 not out from 219 balls, and led England to a memorable victory.
3. Rishabh Pant – 89* vs Australia
Rishabh Pant completing the winning runs for India
On January 19, 2021, Indian batters faced the challenge of needing 324 more runs to make history at the Gabba. With a Test match, the series, and crucial WTC points at stake, plus the opportunity to end Australia’s 32-year unbeaten streak at the famous Brisbane ground, India’s Cheteshwar Pujara endured several painful hits, while Shubman Gill played an aggressive knock of 91 to keep India’s pursuit alive.
Their efforts boosted the confident wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who played a decisive innings on Day 5. Pant scored a well-constructed 89* off 138 balls, sealing the victory for India in the final moments of the series.
2. Gautam Gambhir – 97 vs Sri Lanka
Gautam Gambhir during the 2011 World Cup final
On April 2, 2011, the World Cup co-hosts India and Sri Lanka faced off for the championship at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Indian fans were stunned as their team quickly fell to 31-2 while chasing a target of 275.
Despite the tough situation, Gautam Gambhir, batting at number three, delivered a remarkable performance. The celebrated left-handed batsman scored 97 runs off 122 balls and formed crucial partnerships with Virat Kohli and captain MS Dhoni. His efforts led India to their first World Cup victory in 28 years.
1. Kusal Perera – 153* vs South Africa
Kusal Perera celebrating Sri Lanka’s win
After giving up a 44-run lead in the first innings, Sri Lanka faced the challenge of chasing a record target of 304 runs in the first Test of their two-match series.
At one point, Sri Lanka was struggling at 226-9, needing another 78 runs to win. However, Kusal Perera, showing remarkable determination and skill, teamed up with number 11 Vishwa Fernando (6*) to achieve a dramatic victory during the second session of Day 4.
Perera’s outstanding performance not only secured the win but also paved the way for a notable Sri Lankan series victory on South African soil the following week.
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