10 Unforgettable performances that ended in defeats
Cricket is a team sport but there are instances when an individual performance steels the show. However, it doesn't always end up in a winning cause.
2. Ricky Ponting's 164 vs South Africa (2006)
Now, let's talk about arguably the best ODI match ever. Australia scored a jaw-dropping 434/4 in Johannesburg in the 5th ODI of their tour to South Africa in 2006. After a 97-run opening stand between Adam Gilchrist and Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting came out to bat and scored an epic 105-ball 164. He hit 13 fours and nine sixes en route to his highest ODI score.
When the Aussie captain was dismissed, Australia had 407 runs on the board, four wickets down and 14 balls left in the innings. Andrew Symonds' pyrotechnics at the death, helped Australia reach 434.
This didn't prove to be enough as South Africa, miraculously chased the runs down with one wicket and a ball to spare. Herschelle Gibbs scored 175 off 111 balls to help the home side seal the win. However, Ponting's belligerent innings was honoured as both he and Gibbs shared the Player of the Match award.
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