Top 3 batting performances of Paul Collingwood in ODIs

Paul Collingwood‘s name will forever be remembered in England’s cricket history for leading the nation to their first-ever international title. Under his leadership, The Three Lions defeated Australia in the final of the 2010 T20 World Cup. Although Collingwood has played in all three formats of the game, his forte was in ODIs.

The right-handed batter, who made his ODI debut in 2001, has played 197 matches in the format and has scored over 5000 runs at an average of 35.36. He has five centuries and 25 fifties to his credit. The cricketer-turned-coach was also a handy all-rounder who benefited England with his medium-pace bowling (111 wickets in the 50-over format). As Collingwood celebrates his 48th birthday on 25 May 2024, let’s take a look at his top three batting performances in ODIs.

Here are Paul Collingwood’s top 3 ODI batting performances

3. 112*(96) vs Bangladesh, Nottingham, 2005

England registered a mammoth total of 391/4 after electing to bat first in the fourth match of the NatWest Series against Bangladesh. Opener Marcus Trescothick laid the foundation with a blazing 85 off 65 before Andrew Strauss and Collingwood stole the show with their respective centuries.

Batting at No. 5, Collingwood amassed an unbeaten 112 off 86 balls with 10 fours and five sixes. Bangladesh, in reply, were bundled out for 223 runs, handing England a massive 168-run victory.

2. 106(121) vs NZ, Brisbane, 2007

In the 12th match of the Commonwealth Bank Series 2007, England defeated New Zealand by 14 runs. Batting first, England posted 270/7 on the back of Collingwood’s brilliant century (106 off 121). The visitors suffered an early setback in the form of captain Michael Vaughan’s golden duck.

However, a 100+ partnership for the fourth wicket between Andrew Strauss and Collingwood lifted them. The latter also shone with the ball to restrict New Zealand to 256/8 in the second innings. The right-arm medium pacer took two wickets, while Liam Plunkett took three.

1. 120*(133) vs Aus, MCG, 2007, CB Series 1st Final

Collingwood recorded his highest score in the one-day format to lead England to a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the 1st final of the 2007 Commonwealth Bank Series. Chasing a target of 253 runs, the English team got off to the worst possible start, losing three wickets in the first six overs.

They were reduced to 15/3 but a 130+ run partnership between Ian Bell and Collingwood put England back on track. Batting at No. 5, Collingwood scored an unbeaten 120 runs off 133 balls with seven fours and one six. England chased down the target with five balls remaining.