Ranking Nathan Astle’s Top 3 performances in ODI Cricket

New Zealand Cricket team have a history of producing some fine players. Nathan Astle was one of the players who made a huge difference with the bat whenever he came out to bat. Ever since his ODI debut in 1995 till last game in 2007, the right-handed batter had an aura about him. 

Despite being retired for over 17-years, Nathan Astle is still the 4th best run scorer for New Zealand in the ODI format. For the record, Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming are in the top places with Martin Guptill at 3. Current batting sensation Kane Williamson is 5th with 6810 runs from 165 matches. 

Nathan Astle may have started his career as a middle-order player. Sensing his attacking instincts and the changing style of ODI format, the team management pushed him up the order. The right-handed batter didn’t look back as he became one of the best openers in cricket. 

Here are the top 3 performances of Nathan Astle in ODI cricket

3- 120 vs India – Rajkot 1999

After a dismal time with the bat during the 1999 ODI World Cup, Nathan Astle wanted to set the record straight. That chance came when New Zealand toured India for a five-match ODI and three-game Test series. The first match of the series was played in Rajkot as New Zealand batted first and scored a massive 349 on the board. 

Nathan Astle was in his elements as he scored 120 runs from 136 balls with 12 fours and 2 sixes. The Kiwi batter smashed the Indian bowlers to all parts of the stadium as Craig Spearman and Roger Twose scored fifties. India were bowled out for 306 to lose the match by 43 runs. Ajay Jadeja was the best batter for his side with 95 off 97 balls with four boundaries and 3 sixes. 

2- 122 not out vs England – Dunedin 2002

Weeks after scoring the fastest ever Test double century, Nathan Astle decided that he wasn’t done heaping misery on the English bowlers. The Kiwi batter scored an unbeaten century to help his team win the game. England batted first and scored 218 for 8 from their 50 overs. Owais Shah top scored with 57 while skipper Nasser Hussain hit 50. Needing 219 to win, the Kiwis saw Nathan Astle score 122 not out from 150 balls with 12 fours and 5 sixes. The next best batter was Craig McMillan who scored 44 as the home team won the game by 5 wickets with 7 balls to spare. 

1- 145 Not out vs USA- Oval 2004

Nathan Astle’s best with the bat came during the 2004 Champions Trophy versus United States of America. New Zealand were in the same group as USA and Australia. The Kiwis batted first and scored a massive 347 on the board with Nathan Astle scoring an unbeaten 145 off 151 balls. The Kiwi hit 13 fours and 6 sixes as Scott Styris scored 75 off 78 balls. It was an easy win for the Black Caps by 210 runs as USA were all out for 137 in the 43rd over. Former West Indian batter Clayton Lambert was the best batter with 39 as Jacob Oram picked 5/36 with the ball in what was a one-sided game. 

For more exclusive updates Visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your remarkable cricket favorite players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!