The ODI Cricket World Cup has witnessed some unforgettable batting displays over the years, and a rare achievement stands out among them – scoring consecutive centuries in a single edition. Let’s delve into the remarkable performances of five players who etched their names in cricketing history with back-to-back hundreds in the same ODI World Cup.
Shreyas Iyer’s 2023 World Cup journey started with a hiccup, but the resilient Indian batter turned the tables with back-to-back centuries. After a series of half-centuries, Iyer exploded onto the scene with a sensational 128* against the Netherlands, followed by another scintillating century in the semi-final against New Zealand. Batting at No.4, he amassed a staggering 526 runs at an average of 75.14 and a strike rate of 113.11, proving to be a linchpin for the Indian side.
Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: ICC/via Getty Images)
Rohit Sharma, a maestro in ODIs, showcased his class in the 2019 World Cup. After a stellar 122* against South Africa, he followed it up with a destructive 140 against Pakistan. What set Rohit apart was his hat-trick of centuries against England, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka during the league stage. Finishing as the leading run-scorer with 648 runs at an average of 81, Rohit’s five centuries in the tournament remain a World Cup record.
Kumar Sangakkara. (Photo Source: Getty Images)
In the 2015 World Cup, Kumar Sangakkara made history by becoming the first and only batter to score four consecutive centuries. After a slow start, he unleashed a run-scoring spree with scores of 105*, 117*, 104, and 124. Although Sri Lanka fell short in the quarter-final, Sangakkara’s 541 runs at an average of over 108 left an indelible mark on the tournament.
AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: ICC)
AB de Villiers, the former South African batting maestro, announced his arrival in the 2011 World Cup with back-to-back centuries. A spectacular 107* against the West Indies was followed by a brilliant 134 against the Netherlands. Despite South Africa’s quarter-final exit, de Villiers finished the tournament with 353 runs at an average of over 88, leaving a lasting impression on the cricketing world.
Rahul Dravid. (Photo Source: ICC/via Getty Images)
Known for his Test prowess, Rahul Dravid showcased his ODI brilliance in the 1999 World Cup. He became the first Indian batter to score consecutive centuries in the tournament. After an unbeaten 104 against Kenya, Dravid played a sublime knock of 145 against Sri Lanka, forming a colossal partnership of 318 with Sourav Ganguly. Dravid’s heroics propelled India to the Super Sixes, and he finished as the leading run-scorer with 461 runs at an average of over 65.
These five players not only scored back-to-back centuries but also left an indelible mark on the history of the ODI Cricket World Cup. Their exceptional performances showcased skill, resilience, and a profound impact on their team’s fortunes, making them legends in the annals of cricketing history.
Visit JeetbuzzNews to access our blogs that are just for you and reminisce about all of your favorite cricket nostalgia moments while being thrilled by our solid Cricket Blog updates. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!
The West Indies have once again proven their mettle in the T20 format, clinching yet another series victory against South Africa, making it their third
India’s squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has sparked conversations, especially around the selection of certain players whose recent performances and fitness levels
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is back for its 12th season, running from August 30 to October 7, 2024, and the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons