When it comes to finishing games in ODI cricket, thanks to the rise in the T20 format, no target is unachievable in ODIs, too. Hence, even a target close to 20 runs or above that can now be chased if there is the right batter at the crease. India, too, has seen a few players doing well in the final over of an ODI chase. Here, we take a look at three Indians who have scored the most runs in the 50th over while chasing in ODIs till now.
3) Rohit Sharma – 14*
Opposition: Bangladesh || Result – Loss || Year – 2022
Having injured himself in the first innings of the second ODI against Bangladesh, Rohit Sharma could not open the innings. Hence, it was after most of the batters lost their wicket that Rohit arrived at the crease.
Despite carrying a thumb injury, Rohit did well to take the game down to the last over. He scored 14 runs against Mustafizur Rahman to help India get close to the target. However, the Bangladesh pacer was brilliant in the last ball which denied India the win. India eventually lost the game by 5 runs.
A valiant effort from the Hitman in vain 🇮🇳🫡@ImRo45 used all his might despite his injury to overcome a mountain of a target only to fall 5 runs short in the end 💪🏏
How do you rate the captain’s brave cameo from 1️⃣ – 🔥?#BANvIND #SonySportsNetwork #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/qtqpgxGIno
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2) Ravindra Jadeja – 15*
Opposition: New Zealand || Result – Tie || Year – 2014
Chasing a total of 315, India needed some strong contributions from the top order. However, that did not happen. Hence, it came down to Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin to close the game for India.
Being held at Eden Park in Auckland, Jadeja scored 15 runs in the final over. His knock of 66* included five boundaries and four sixes. It was a fine effort by Jadeja but the game ended in a tie.
1) MS Dhoni – 16*
Opposition: Sri Lanka || Result – Win || Year – 2013
Of course, MS Dhoni stands at the top of the list. This game was held at Trinidad in the tri-series between India, Sri Lanka and West Indies.
It was a small target of 202 but India lost a heap of wickets at the start. The lower order also did not give a good hand to MS Dhoni. However, he took the game to the last over and scored the runs against Shaminda Eranga to finish the match for India.
