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Top 4 Instances Of 3 Batters Scoring A Century In An ODI Innings

image-lnhfyjg7Quinton de Kock smashed a brilliant ton vs Sri Lanka

The glorious history of cricket has been embroidered with a plethora of records and milestones. Yet, there remain a few feats so elusive, that they hold a special place in the sport. One such marvel in the one-day international (ODI) format is the phenomenon where three batsmen from the same team notch centuries in a single inning.

3 Batters Scoring a Century in an ODI Innings

Not only does this underline the sheer dominance of the batting side, but it also epitomizes the essence of teamwork and collective brilliance. In a game where individual achievements often steal the limelight, such an occurrence is an attestation to a team's brilliance and the batter's unyielding resolve.

The 50-over format has witnessed various teams touching the pinnacle of batting greatness, from colossal team totals to blistering individual knocks. However, the rarity of three centurions from one side in a single innings makes it a mesmerizing spectacle.

In this article, let’s take a look at these iconic matches where batsmanship of the highest order was on display as three batters scored centuries in an ODI innings.

1. South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2023 World Cup – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

image-lnhfzdngAiden Markram (Twitter)

The atmospheric Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi witnessed an absolute masterclass from the Proteas on Sarurday. Sent into bat on a pristine surface, South Africa's top-order clicked in unity. Quinton de Kock played a sublime knock, peppered with elegant drives and cheeky scoops, setting the tempo with his 100 off 84 balls. Rassie van der Dussen, proving to be the perfect foil, rotated the strike and kept the scoreboard ticking, eventually bringing up his fifth ODI century. But the innings' highest peak was delivered by Aiden Markram whose audacious strokes left spectators and opponents in awe. His whirlwind century, the fastest in World Cup history, showed a combination of brute power and ingenious placement as he slammed 106 off 54 balls. Together, they took South Africa to a mammoth 428/5, a statement score in their opening game which they eventually won by 102 runs

2. England vs Netherlands, 2022 - VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen

image-lnhhdgb8Jos Buttler (Twitter)

England's transformation post-2015 has been a stuff of legends, and this particular encounter at the VRA Cricket Ground showed their ruthless approach. After Jason Roy’s early dismissal, Phil Salt and Dawid Malan embarked on a magnificent partnership. Salt, combining aggression with grace, notched a dominating 93-ball 122, while Malan’s cover drives and deft touches took him to a brilliant 125 off 109. But the day was far from over for the Dutch. Jos Buttler entered the scene and turned it into a blitzkrieg. His 162 off 70, with a cavalcade of boundaries, was an attestation to his unmatched striking ability. England's 498/4, the highest ODI score was a culmination of individual brilliance and collective dominance, a game that they eventually won by 232 runs.

3. South Africa vs India, 2015 - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

image-lnhhfocuAB de Villiers & Faf du Plessis (Twitter)

The iconic Wankhede, with its history and electrifying atmosphere, was the stage for another South African onslaught. Winning the toss in and choosing to bat was a tactical masterstroke. Quinton de Kock's combination of conventional and innovative shots saw him dispatch the Indian bowlers for a stunning 109 off 87 balls. Faf du Plessis with his impeccable technique, manoeuvred the field and reached a sensational 133 off 115. But the spectacle was AB de Villiers. His 119 off 61 balls displayed a breathtaking array of shots - from sweeping fast bowlers to reverse hitting spinners. The batting maestro’s innings was proof of his genius and audacity. Setting 438/4, South Africa’s bowlers complemented their batters' efforts, bundling out a star-studded Indian lineup for 224.

4. South Africa vs West Indies, 2015 - Wanderers, Johannesburg

image-lnhhhg5vAB de Villiers (Twitter)

The Highveld's thin air combined with the Wanderers' short boundaries promised a high-scoring game, but what unfolded was beyond imagination. West Indies, perhaps misreading the pitch, chose to field. Hashim Amla and Rilee Rossouw set the foundation, with the former’s textbook strokes and Rossouw's aggressive intent taking them to centuries. However, the day’s peak point was AB de Villiers’ breathtaking ton. Walking in during the game's latter stages, he produced an innings for the ages, scoring a 31-ball century - the fastest in ODI history. His knock of 149 off 44 balls was a spectacle of audacity, precision, and brilliance. South Africa’s 439/2 left the West Indies reeling, and despite a brave chase, they fell short by 148 runs.