5 greatest lower-order comebacks in ODIs

3. Malinga's batting belligerence (vs Australia, 2010)

Malinga and Mathews in action

Millennials may know Lasith Malinga for his curly locks and impeccable yorkers. However, one day in Melbourne unveiled a different facet of his cricketing abilities. He stitched together a record ninth wicket partnership with a then-young Angelo Mathews, handing the Aussies a demoralizing defeat in their own den.

Batting first, Australia had set a mediocre target of 240, sculpted around a resolute 71* from Mike Hussey. Thisara Perera was the wrecker-in-chief for the Lankans, with a five wicket haul.

After losing both openers cheaply, experienced marauders Sangakkara and Jayawardene-steadied the ship to 73-2.

Downfall struck for Sri Lanka in the form of a young Xavier Doherty, who took four quick wickets as the Lankans quickly slid to 107-8

Mathews was joined by Malinga in the middle with 134 more required at the halfway point. The duo had enough time to settle down as the scoring rate had not fallen even with the flurry of wickets.

Nevertheless, Malinga was in no mood for that, as he started scoring in excess of run a ball. He whacked six fours and a couple of maximums as Mathews silently anchored and planned the chase.

Michael Clarke frantically shuffled around his bowlers, but to no avail. Within no time, Sri Lanka was at the cusp of victory.

However, Malinga could not contain his excitement when he set off for a suicidal single with the scores at level. This reminded of a certain contest almost 11 years ago in a World Cup semi final which ended in a tie, and a nervous Muttiah Muralitharan on strike meant that all was not yet over for the Aussies.

However, their hopes were instantly ousted when Murali nonchalantly flicked Watson for a four, completing the fairy tale comeback.