Year in Review: Top 5 ODI performances of the year 2013

4. Martin Guptill – 189*(NZ vs England, Southampton, June 2013)

Martin Guptill – Demolition Man

Ruthless as ever, the Kiwi opener might just have signalled the downturn of England’s fortunes in the latter half of the year. The more amazing fact is that he did it in less than forty-eight hours after making a hundred in the opening game of the three-match series.

Guptill was on point right from the word go. Focusing on keeping the scorecard ticking, he did not unleash his brutality until he had progressed to his century in 111 deliveries. He started the carnage in only the final ten overs of the innings, when he knew most of the bowlers would be tired and Alastair Cook would have to gamble with whatever he had left.

With the power-hitting Ross Taylor and skipper Brendon McCullum for company, Guptill went into overdrive, creaming the hapless bowlers all over the park as he piled on the runs. In a manner reminiscent of the legendary Viv Richards, the right hander deposited seamer Ben Woakes’ attempted short delivery into the stands – off the front foot- with utter disdain.

Even the wily Graeme Swann had no clue about how to counter the marauder; his first delivery was dispatched through cover, only emphasizing the tough day in the field for his side.

Guptill finished unbeaten on 189, the highest ever ODI score made by a New Zealand player. If not for Jonathan Trott’s resolute century in England’s turn at the crease, the home side would have collapsed like nine-pins.

Easily one of the best innings this year!