6 renowned cricketers who were left stranded on 99 not out in ODIs

#2 Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke

Another ex-captain joins the list. Australia’s 2015 World Cup-winning skipper Michael Clarke also made 99 not out, against Ashes rivals England. This occurred during the 4th ODI of Australia’s tour of England and Ireland at The Oval, on 30 June 2010.

England fielded first after winning the toss, and Clarke was left stranded on 99 from 106 balls as the 50 overs got over. Clarke hit seven fours in his innings, and Ricky Ponting contributed 92 from 93, as Australia posted a strong 290 for 5.

In response, England crumbled to 212 all out in 42.4 overs as Ryan Harris picked up 5 for 32. The accurate medium pacer picked up the two big scalps of Kevin Pietersen and Eoin Morgan to derail England’s chase.

Michael Yardy made a useful 57 from 63, but it was not enough to rescue England.

#1 Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag

The man who loves to reach 100, 200 and even 300 with sixes, Virender Sehwag has also been left stranded on 99 not out - and that too under rather controversial circumstances.

India were chasing 171 to win the third match of the Sri Lanka Triangular Series, played against the hosts at Dambulla on 16 August 2010. The scores were level with Sehwag on 99.

Then, Surav Randiv bowled a big no-ball, and although Sehwag smashed it for a six, the runs weren't counted as India won by virtue of the no-ball itself. Randiv had also started the over with four byes.

Sehwag thus remained not out on 99 from 100 balls, a knock in which he smashed 11 fours and two sixes.

After the game, Sehwag played down the controversy in his inimitable style by saying he understands that teams don’t want players to score hundreds against them. India won the match by six wickets, and that’s all that mattered to Sehwag, hundred or not.