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Cricket has seen numerous iconic centuries from legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, but sometimes, the most unforgettable innings come from the least expected players. Whether it’s a bowler surprising with the bat or a night-watchman rewriting history, these innings not only shocked fans but also changed the momentum of games. Here are five legendary knocks by players who weren’t expected to shine with the bat — but did so in style.
1. Jason Gillespie – 201 vs Bangladesh, Chittagong, 2006*
Jason Gillespie, an Australian fast bowler, was sent in as a night-watchman when Australia lost Matthew Hayden early. What followed was one of the most stunning innings ever played by a lower-order batsman. Gillespie, known more for his pace than patience, formed a solid partnership with Phil Jaques and batted with incredible composure and flair.
Over the course of his innings, he played elegant drives and even launched two memorable sixes. His double century came just before lunch on Day 4, making him the first night-watchman in cricket history to score a double hundred. His 201* remains one of the most remarkable achievements in Test cricket — a true testament to patience, grit, and timing from a most unlikely source.
2. Wasim Akram – 257 vs Zimbabwe, Sheikhupura, 1996*
When Pakistan’s batting crumbled to 183/6 against Zimbabwe, the situation looked grim. But captain Wasim Akram stepped up, not just to stabilize the innings, but to dominate it. Known as the “Sultan of Swing”, Akram was famous for his bowling — yet on this day, he turned into a batting beast.
He first stitched a partnership with Moin Khan and then with Saqlain Mushtaq, pulling Pakistan out of deep trouble. His unbeaten 257 included a barrage of sixes and fours, displaying his attacking prowess. The innings helped Pakistan avoid defeat and remains one of the highest scores by a No. 8 batsman in Test history.
3. Kapil Dev – 175 vs Zimbabwe, 1983 World Cup*
India’s journey in the 1983 World Cup took a turn for the legendary when Kapil Dev walked in with the team at 17/5 against Zimbabwe. At that moment, India’s chances looked bleak, but Kapil launched one of the greatest counterattacks ever seen in One Day Internationals.
He began cautiously but soon switched gears, hammering bowlers all around the park. His 175 off 138 balls was not just a personal milestone; it resurrected India’s World Cup hopes. This innings is still celebrated as one of the greatest in World Cup history, and it signaled the emergence of Kapil Dev as one of India’s greatest all-rounders.
4. Michael Bevan – 78 vs West Indies, Sydney, 1996*
Michael Bevan’s unbeaten 78 against a fearsome West Indies attack in 1996 wasn’t a century, but it was worth its weight in gold. When Australia was reduced to 38/6, Bevan walked in and anchored the innings with maturity. Partnering first with Ian Healy and later maneuvering the tail, Bevan showcased the calm temperament of a true finisher.
As wickets fell around him, Bevan held his nerve and, with just one ball remaining and four runs needed, hit a boundary to win the match. That innings not only secured the win but also cemented Bevan’s place as Australia’s premier ODI finisher.
5. Ajit Agarkar – 109 vs England, Lord’s, 2002*
Ajit Agarkar had previously gained unwanted fame for recording seven consecutive ducks against Australia. But in the 2002 Lord’s Test, he turned the narrative around dramatically. India was chasing an improbable target of 568 and was already in deep trouble at 170/6. Enter Agarkar.
Batting alongside VVS Laxman, he showcased a level of composure and skill that few expected. He went on to score an unbeaten 109, including 16 boundaries, becoming only the seventh Indian to score a century at Lord’s — the Mecca of cricket. Though India lost the match, Agarkar’s knock remains one of the finest innings by a tail-ender in Test history.
Summary Table: Unbelievable Innings by Lower-Order Batsmen
| Player | Score | Opponent & Venue | Year | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Gillespie | 201* | Bangladesh, Chittagong | 2006 | First night-watchman to score a double century in Tests |
| Wasim Akram | 257* | Zimbabwe, Sheikhupura | 1996 | Captain’s knock to rescue Pakistan from 183/6, record No. 8 score |
| Kapil Dev | 175* | Zimbabwe, Tunbridge Wells (WC) | 1983 | Saved India from 17/5, one of the greatest ODI knocks ever |
| Michael Bevan | 78* | West Indies, Sydney | 1996 | Last-ball win in a tense chase; birth of Australia’s finisher legend |
| Ajit Agarkar | 109* | England, Lord’s | 2002 | Scored a century at Lord’s after duck-streak, against a strong England side |
These innings prove that cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. Often, it’s not the star batsman who steals the show but the unexpected hero who rises when the team needs it most. From tail-enders to night-watchmen, their unforgettable knocks have written chapters in cricketing folklore. As fans, these surprises are what make the sport truly thrilling.