Stats: Most runs by a number 11 batsman in ODIs

Tail-enders are easily the most underrated batsmen in cricket as they generally don’t contribute too much to the scorecard. Batting, for a number eleven batsman, has never been easy. Number elevens are generally the specialist bowlers on the side. Batsmen batting down the order follow a tradition of playing aggressive cricket and try to hit every ball in aspiration to score more runs for the side, but their all-or-nothing approach lands them into throwing their wickets away.

But there have been a few instances where these batsmen have put a price to their wicket and did not let go, eventually ending as the top-scorer in their innings.

Former New Zealand cricketer Christopher Pringle tops the ODI charts for a number 11 batsman. Pringle, who represented New Zealand in 14 Tests and 64 ODIs between 1990 and 1995, became the first number eleven batsman in ODI history to top score for his team in an ODI against the Windies. He scored an unbeaten 34 runs in New Zealand’s total of 171/9. Although New Zealand lost the match by 165 runs, Pringle, with Dion Nash, went on to score an unbeaten partnership of 48 runs for the last wicket.

Kenya’s Peter Ongondo stands second in this unique list. Ongondo is a right arm medium-pace bowler and lower-order power hitter who made his debut for Kenya against South Africa in 1999. After his debut match, he had to wait for about two years to make his place in the squad. However, he commemorated his comeback with a top-score of 36 against West Indies in Nairobi.

The third spot is also occupied by a Kiwi. Popular New Zealand speedster Shane Bond, who was considered the best Kiwi bowler after Sir Richard Hadlee became the 3rd number eleven batsman in the world to top score the innings with a knock of 26 runs In a group stage match of the 2002 Champions Trophy versus Australia.

You can see the full list below:

In the 1983 league stage game between Windies and India, Joel Garner was the joint top scorer for his team with 37 batting at No.11.

Mohammad Amir, batting at No.11, was Pakistan’s joint top scorer in Trent Bridge ODI against England in 2016.

Note: All the above-mentioned instances were in losing cause.