Ranking 10 greatest rescue knocks after early collapse in ODI history

In a format like ODI, it is very tough for a team to recover if all the top order batsmen fail to perform. Given that the run rate also needs to be kept in mind in midst of the continuous fall of wickets, scoring becomes quite difficult. However, we have seen some batsmen play memorable knocks to rescue their team from such situations.

Particularly, if those innings are played in a chase, or in an important clash of a global event like the World Cup, that batting performance is remembered forever. In this particular article, we will be ranking the ten greatest rescue knocks in the history of ODI cricket after an early collapse.

We have used various criteria to rank the knocks which include the match situation, final result, pitch conditions and the importance of the match. A knock that has resulted in a win is given slightly more importance and similarly, a big inning in a low-scoring match has earned higher credit.

Let’s have a look at 10 such knocks of ODI history

10. Kieron Pollard – 89 after 34/5

This was the first ODI of a three-match series played between the West Indies and Bangladesh in 2014 played at National Cricket Stadium, St George’s. The West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo won the toss and elected to bowl first. Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque slammed a brilliant century for his side batting first. He scored 109 runs off 138 balls including 11 fours and 1 six. The visitors posted a total of 217/9 in 50 overs.

In response to this target, West Indies had a terrible start. They lost their first 5 wickets for only 34 runs. Among these 5 wickets, four batters could not even touch a double-digit score. The hosts badly needed a good partnership, and Kieron Pollard came to the team’s rescue.

Pollard along with Denesh Ramdin shared a 145-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Ramdin got out after scoring 74 runs off 76 balls at the team score of 179. Pollard on the other hand played a match-winning knock of 89 runs off 70 balls. He smashed 5 fours and 6 sixes during his wonderful inning. West Indies chased down the total in 39.4 overs and registered a 3-wicket victory. Kieron Pollard was adjudged player of the match for his magnificent innings.