5 times opening bowlers bowled 10 overs on the trot

Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock

Shaun Pollock served South African cricket for over a decade as an all-rounder but most of his great performances came as an opening bowler. He was difficult to score off, and finished with a career economy rate of only 3.67 in ODI cricket.

Pollock's efficacy as an opening bowler in the ODI format was on show when Pakistan toured South Africa in the 2006-07 season and played a five-match ODI series.

It was 1-1 with two matches to go and everything to play for in the series. In the fourth ODI at Cape Town, Pollock bowled 8 overs in the first spell and took 2 for 8. Pakistan were tottering at 28 for 3 off 15 overs when his first spell finished. He came back later to finish his quota of 10 overs, conceding just 13 runs. Pakistan were bowled out for 107 and South Africa cruised home in only 14 overs, without losing any wicket.

Pollock improved his performance in the final ODI of the series. He opened the bowling once again and finished his 10 overs unchanged from one end. He took 5 for 23 as Pakistan were dismissed for 153. South Africa won by 9 wickets to take the series 3-1. Pollock was adjudged the man of the match and the man of the series as well.

It was Shaun Pollock's last great bowling performance in ODI cricket, however, as he faded away within the next 12 months.