Top players to get century against Australia in ODI World Cup.
Introduction
Cricket, often referred to as the “gentleman’s game,” has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in sporting history. One such stage where cricket’s luminaries shine brightest is the ICC Cricket World Cup. Among the cricketing nations that have made their mark in this prestigious tournament, Australia has consistently been a formidable force. With their disciplined bowling attacks and powerhouse batting line-ups, facing Australia in the ODI World Cup has always been a formidable challenge for any team.
In this article, we delve into the remarkable performances of batsmen who have managed to achieve a significant milestone against the Australian cricket team in the ODI World Cup – scoring a century. The century in cricket is celebrated as one of the highest individual achievements, and doing so against a team like Australia in a World Cup adds another layer of prestige to the accomplishment.
- Sir Vivian Richards – West Indies
Sir Vivian Richards, one of the most celebrated cricketers in the history of the game, made a significant impact in the 1975 Cricket World Cup. In the final of the inaugural tournament, West Indies faced Australia, and Richards crafted a remarkable century. His unbeaten 138 off 157 balls not only helped West Indies win the title but also became the first century scored against Australia in a World Cup final.
Richards’ innings was a display of unmatched aggression and dominance, showcasing his ability to take on a formidable Australian bowling attack. He struck 11 fours and 3 sixes during his innings, etching his name into the annals of cricket history.
- Sir Vivian Richards – West Indies (Again!)
Richards’ mastery over Australian bowling in World Cup finals was not a one-off occurrence. In the 1979 Cricket World Cup final, West Indies faced Australia once more, and Richards delivered yet another century. This time, he scored 138 runs from just 157 balls, a remarkably similar performance to his previous World Cup final century.
Once again, Richards displayed his class and elegance, driving West Indies to victory. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required made him a standout player against the Australians on the biggest stage.
- Sir Vivian Richards – West Indies (Yes, Again!)
In the 1983 Cricket World Cup, Richards faced Australia once more, this time in the group stage. Richards continued his dominance over the Australian bowling attack by scoring an explosive century. He scored 119 runs from just 126 balls, an innings filled with 11 fours and 3 sixes.
Though this century couldn’t secure a win for West Indies, it showcased Richards’ consistency in performing at the highest level against Australia, making him one of the top players to score centuries against the Australian team in ODI World Cups.
- Mark Waugh – Australia
Mark Waugh, a member of the Australian cricketing dynasty, was known for his elegant strokeplay. In the 1996 Cricket World Cup, he faced New Zealand and played an exquisite innings, scoring 110 runs off 112 balls. This century was significant not only because it was against Australia’s trans-Tasman rivals but also because it demonstrated Mark Waugh’s prowess as a stylish and technically sound batsman.
Mark Waugh’s century against New Zealand was a blend of grace and precision, reaffirming his status as one of the top Australian batsmen in ODI World Cups.
- Herschelle Gibbs – South Africa
The 1999 Cricket World Cup saw South Africa’s Herschelle Gibbs make a statement against Australia with a brilliant century. Gibbs scored 101 runs off 134 balls, an innings filled with 11 boundaries. What made this century even more memorable was that it came in a semi-final match, where the stakes were incredibly high.
Gibbs’ century against Australia helped South Africa reach the final of the tournament, marking a significant moment in the history of South African cricket in World Cups.
- Matthew Hayden – Australia
Australia’s Matthew Hayden was a powerhouse opening batsman known for his aggressive style of play. In the 2007 Cricket World Cup, he faced South Africa and played an explosive innings, scoring 101 runs off just 68 balls. This century showcased Hayden’s ability to decimate opposition bowlers, particularly in the powerplays.
Hayden’s century against South Africa in the 2007 World Cup was a masterclass in aggressive batting and was instrumental in Australia’s successful campaign, culminating in their World Cup victory.
- Shikhar Dhawan – India
In the 2015 Cricket World Cup, India’s stylish left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan faced Australia in a group stage match. Dhawan exhibited his class and flair by scoring 137 runs off 146 balls, an innings that included 16 boundaries.
Dhawan’s century against Australia was instrumental in India’s victory in that match and highlighted his ability to thrive in high-pressure contests. His performance was a testament to the quality of modern-day Indian cricket and their ability to compete against the best.
- Joe Root – England
England’s Joe Root is known for his consistency and versatility in all formats of the game. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, England faced Australia in a crucial group stage match. Root played a vital role in that game by scoring 107 runs off 104 balls.
Root’s century against Australia was not only significant for his team but also showcased his ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships. It played a part in England’s journey to winning their maiden Cricket World Cup title.
- Shikhar Dhawan – India (Again!)
Shikhar Dhawan makes a second appearance on this list, emphasizing his proficiency against the Australian team in ODI World Cups. In the 2019 World Cup, India faced Australia in a group stage match, and Dhawan once again rose to the occasion. He scored 117 runs off 109 balls, an innings that displayed his dominance over the Australian bowling attack.
Dhawan’s century against Australia was crucial in India’s victory and further solidified his reputation as a top-class ODI opener.
- David Warner – Australia
David Warner, known for his explosive batting, etched his name in the history books with a remarkable century against Pakistan in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Warner scored 107 runs off 111 balls, an innings filled with 11 boundaries.
Warner’s century against Pakistan was a testament to his aggressive style and ability to take on any bowling attack in the world. It played a pivotal role in Australia’s campaign, which eventually led them to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Conclusion
Scoring a century in the ICC Cricket World Cup is a testament to a batsman’s skill, temperament, and ability to perform on the grandest stage of them all. When it comes to achieving this feat against the formidable Australian cricket team, the significance is even greater. The players mentioned in this article have not only scored centuries but have done so in pivotal matches, making them the top players to achieve this milestone against Australia in ODI World Cups.
From the flamboyance of Sir Vivian Richards to the elegance of Mark Waugh, and from the power-hitting of Matthew Hayden to the consistency of Joe Root and Shikhar Dhawan, these batsmen have left an indelible mark on the history of the ODI World Cup. Their centuries against Australia have been moments
