Jonty Rhodes is renowned not only for his exceptional fielding but also for his contributions with the bat in ODIs. Over his career, Rhodes played 245 ODIs for South Africa, scoring 5935 runs at an average of 35.12, including two centuries. Here, we highlight his top three batting performances in ODIs, showcasing his skill and resilience against formidable opponents.
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3. 107* vs New Zealand (2002)
In a match that came during the later stages of his career, Rhodes demonstrated his ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a steady scoring rate. Against New Zealand, Rhodes played an unbeaten knock of 107 runs, facing 135 balls.
This innings was a testament to his endurance and tactical nous, as he struck only 9 fours, accumulating 36 runs through boundaries, and ran diligently for the rest. With a strike rate of 79.26, his performance was instrumental in South Africa securing a 67-run victory.
2. 98 vs Pakistan (2002)
According to us Rhodes’ second-best performance came against a dominating Pakistani bowling attack in 2002. South Africa found themselves in a precarious position, losing six wickets for just 151 runs. Stepping up to the challenge, Rhodes, in partnership with Shaun Pollock, staged a remarkable recovery.
He scored 98 runs off 92 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes. This inning not only helped South Africa post a competitive total of 272 but also showcased Rhodes’ ability to perform under pressure. His resilience and aggressive stroke play turned the tide in favour of his team, leading to a comfortable victory as Pakistan could only manage 140 runs in response.
1. 121 vs Pakistan (1996)
Jonty Rhodes’ top ODI batting performance is undoubtedly his highest score in international cricket, an outstanding 121 against Pakistan in 1996. Facing one of the strongest bowling attacks of the time, Rhodes came in lower down the order and played a match-winning innings.
He scored 121 runs off 114 balls with a strike rate of 106.14, hitting 12 fours. This innings was pivotal in South Africa’s victory by 62 runs, underscoring Rhodes’ ability to handle pressure and deliver when it mattered most. This performance not only cemented his reputation as a brilliant batter but also demonstrated his capability to take on and conquer the best in the world.
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