Top 5 Highest individual scores in a losing cause in ODIs

2. Matthew Hayden – 181* v New Zealand:

When Australia played New Zealand at Hamilton in 2007 in the 3rd ODI, the match went down to the wire as the Kiwis pulled off a nail-biting win by 1 wicket. It was Matthew Hayden’s unbeaten 181 that took Australia to a total of 346. The stylish southpaw hit 11 fours and 10 sixes in his innings.

But half-centuries from Peter Fulton and Brendon McCullum to go with a 96-ball 117 by Craig McMillan saw New Zealand chase down the score in 49.3 overs with a wicket in hand. A timely 28 off 15 by number 10 Mark Gillespie ensured that the Kiwis won the thrilling encounter.