Kagiso Rabada joins list of highest scores at no. 11 with gutsy 71-run knock in Rawalpindi

Highest Individual Scores at Number 11 in Test innings [Source: @CricUpdate58494, @ICC/X.com]

In cricket, the number 11 is usually the batter you least expect to make an impact. Traditionally seen as a tail-ender, his main job is to survive a few balls while partners accumulate runs.

However, sometimes these last men have shocked everyone by turning games around with incredible innings. Recently, Kagiso Rabada helped South Africa enforce a lead on Pakistan in a Test match by scoring a gutsy half-century.

On that note, here’s a look at the top 5 highest individual scores by number 11 batters in Test cricket history.

---

ALSO READ

Most Balls Faced By An Indian In A Test Innings

---

5. Kagiso Rabada - 71 vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi, 2025

5. Kagiso Rabada - 71 vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi, 2025 [Source: @SmashSportinc/X.com]

South Africa’s fearsome pacer Kagiso Rabada recently joined this elite list with 71 runs at number 11 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Coming to bat at 306/9, he stitched a 98-run partnership for the last wicket, helping the Proteas put 404 runs on the board. 

In his 71-run knock, Rabada hit 4 fours and as many sixes with a 116.39 strike rate. His innings not only boosted South Africa’s total but also reinforced the growing trend of bowlers being able to contribute with the bat.

4. Zaheer Khan – 75 vs Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2004

4. Zaheer Khan – 75 vs Bangladesh, Dhaka, 2004 [Source: @CricketWorldYes/X.com]

India’s legendary pacer Zaheer Khan showed that tail-enders could anchor partnerships too. Against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2004, Zaheer scored 75 runs from number 11, supporting Sachin Tendulkar, who scored an unbeaten 248 runs. 

Khan knitted a 133-run partnership with Tendulkar for the last wicket to help India post 526 runs in response to Bangladesh’s 184 in the first inning.

3. James Anderson - 81 vs India, Nottingham, 2014

3. James Anderson - 81 vs India, Nottingham, 2014 [Source: @WisdenCricket/X.com]

England’s veteran pacer James Anderson is better known for swinging the ball than hitting it. Yet in Nottingham in 2014, Anderson proved he could contribute significantly with the bat. 

Scoring 81 runs off 130 balls at number 11, he partnered effectively with fellow tail-ender Stuart Broad to frustrate India. The partnership guided England to 496 in reply to India’s 457 in the first inning. However, the match was drawn.

2. Tino Best - 95 vs England, Birmingham, 2012

2. Tino Best - 95 vs England, Birmingham, 2012 [Source: @ICC/X.com]

West Indies fast bowler Tino Best was popular for his speed, not his batting. But in the Birmingham Test in 2012, he defied expectations by scoring 95 runs at number 11. 

Coming in with the team in a tricky situation at 283/9, Best and Denesh Ramdin’s partnership helped West Indies finish with 426, thus avoiding a collapse. While England responded with 221/5 in the second inning, the match was drawn due to a lack of time.

1. Ashton Agar - 98 vs England, Nottingham, 2013

1. Ashton Agar - 98 vs England, Nottingham, 2013 [Source: @ICC/X.com]

This is a classic “tail-ender hero” story. Australian left-arm spinner Ashton Agar was sent in at number 11 during the 2013 Ashes at Nottingham and amazed all by scoring 98 runs from 101 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes.

Agar came very close to scoring a century on his debut, assisting Australia to reach a respectable score of 280 runs in reply to England's 215 runs in the first innings. His calmness, clever shot selection, and ability to handle the pressure made this innings legendary. 

Even today, fans remember Agar’s near-century as one of the best tail-end performances ever.

---

ALSO READ

Players With Longest Careers In Tests

---