Top 5 Most Man Of The Match Awards In ODI World Cup History
Rohit Sharma celebrates one of his five centuries from the 2019 World Cup (x.com)
A ‘Man of the Match’ recognition for a player goes beyond mere statistics on a cricket field. It is an honour that encapsulates the essence of brilliance displayed amidst the grandeur of the sport. However, the achievement itself takes on a whole new level of significance when it occurs at the grandest cricketing stage: ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Cricket World Cup, held once every four years, stands as a testament to the sport’s grandeur, uniting nations, cultures, and cricketing traditions under a single banner. Getting recognised with a ‘Man of the Match’ award at this global stage is nothing short of awe-inspiring, as it is a rare competition where legends are forged and the cricketing fraternity holds its collective breath for each delivery.
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Here at OneCricket, we dive through history to take a look back at five remarkable cricketers who collected the most number of ‘Man of the Match’ awards in their storied careers.
Five Players With Most Man of the Match Awards in ODI World Cup History:
| Players | Country | Total World Cup matches player | Total MOTM awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 45 | 9 |
| Glenn McGrath | Australia | 39 | 6 |
| Lance Klusener | South Africa | 14 | 5 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 17 | 5 |
| Viv Richards | West Indies | 23 | 5 |
1. Sachin Tendulkar (9 times)
Sachin Tendulkar, an emblem of unwavering excellence at Cricket World Cups, bagged nine ‘Man of the Match’ awards in just 45 matches. His remarkable match-winning ability for Team India at cricket’s grandest stage underscores the enduring impact of his illustrious career, which spanned six different World Cup editions between 1992 and 2011.
Tendulkar’s name at the top of the illustrious pile of elite World Cup legends comes as no surprise. Being World Cup’s highest run-getter of all time, the batting great solidified his legacy at the big stage with numerous match-winning knocks for his side. Some of his most unforgettable World Cup efforts continues to remain his scintillating 98 against Pakistan in 2003, and his cautious 85 at the 2011 semi-final in Mohali.
2. Glenn McGrath (6 times)
An indomitable force in World Cup history, Glenn McGrath stands tall as the highest wicket-taker of the competition. McGrath’s virtuosity reached its pinnacle in the 2003 World Cup when he conjured a spellbinding performance, scalping an astounding 7 wickets for just 15 runs against Namibia, a feat that still resonates as one of the most remarkable ones in tournament history.
His dominance extended beyond that singular moment, as he consistently wreaked havoc throughout the 2007 World Cup, amassing an astonishing 26 wickets to engineer Australia's triumphant campaign in the Caribbean. Moreover, McGrath’s distinction as one of only three cricketers to clinch the World Cup thrice firmly places him in the pantheon of the tournament's greatest players.
3. Lance Klusener (5 times)
Lance Klusener secured five ‘Man of the Match’ awards from just 14 World Cup appearances, an achievement that attests to his exceptional prowess. However, his pinnacle unfolded at the 1999 World Cup in England, where he earned four of these awards and fittingly seized the title of Player of the Tournament.
Klusener put up a stunning all-round show against Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan, and nearly took South Africa to their first-ever final with a breathtaking knock against Australia in the semis. However, an unfortunate runout at the brink of victory dashed his World Cup dreams, which subsequently curtailed his glorious white-ball career.
4. Rohit Sharma (5 times)
Indian batting veteran Rohit Sharma bagged five ‘Man of the Match’ awards across just two World Cup editions, 2015 and 2019, thus signifying his underlying value he brings at the top of the order for his nation. Unleashing remarkable consistency with the bat in the competition, it was during the 2019 World Cup that Sharma orchestrated a symphony of five centuries against the best of bowling attacks.
Among his standout performances, his majestic 137 against Bangladesh in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final remains etched in memory, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure. In the 2019 edition, his brilliant 122 against South Africa and the exhilarating 140 against arch-rivals Pakistan were masterclasses in batting, combining finesse and aggression with unmatched flair.
5. Vivian Richards (5 times)
A veritable freak of nature with the bat, the explosive batting style of Vivian Richards was nothing short of a spectacle of sheer audacity and flair. Richards’ impact on West Indies’ World Cup triumphs is etched in cricketing legend, and his tally of five ‘Man of the Match’ awards in just 23 matches of the prestigious tournament underscores his indomitable influence.
One of the most resounding chapters of his World Cup journey unfolded in the 1979 final at Lord’s. His unbeaten 138 in the title clash against England showcased his mettle as he seized the top honours, contributing significantly to West Indies victory and their emergence as second successive world champions.
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