Ranking Ricky Ponting’s 3 greatest ODI innings

Ricky Ponting has had a stellar career for Australia primarily in test and ODI cricket. Over a long stint in international cricket, he played arguably the most crucial role in Australia’s glorious campaigns in the 2003 and 2007 ODI World Cup. In this article, we will highlight his legendary ODI career and take a look at his 3 greatest ODI innings.

164 vs South Africa, 2006

Ricky Ponting’s best batting performance in ODI cricket came against South Africa in a match that is registered in the history books as the Proteas chased the highest target in ODI cricket. Australia made 434 runs in the first innings and Ponting’s 164-run knock was the major contributor in that massive total. Adam Gilchrist, Simon Katich, and Michael Hussey assisted the Australian skipper in putting South Africa under pressure. Ponting exploited the momentum given by the openers which helped Australia to make things tough for the Proteas. The Kangaroos lost the match but Ponting’s swashbuckling knock did not go unnoticed.

145 vs Zimbabwe, 1998

Another spectacular batting display against an African opponent, Zimbabwe. The young Australian batter made this century in the triangular series which was contested by Australia, Zimbabwe, and India. The Kangaroos batted first in this match and posted 294 runs courtesy of a century from Ponting and a half-century from Mark Waugh, who opened in this match. Zimbabwe could not chase the target and fell short of the total by 16 runs which is not a huge margin, once again establishing the importance of Ponting’s knock. 

141* vs New Zealand, 2005

This batting masterclass was produced by the former Australian skipper against their Trans-Tasman rival New Zealand at Napier. It was once again Ricky Ponting who blew the opposition out of the contest in the first innings with a massive total on the board. Adam Gilchrist and Ponting dominated the Kiwi bowling lineup at the top of the order with a stellar partnership. The Aussies won the match by 122 runs to win the series in a sweeping fashion. 

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!