Top 3 batting performances of Shivnarine Chanderpaul in ODIs

Shivanrine Chanderpaul is one of the most underrated batters in the history of cricket. The Southpaw did not have enough support for the most parts of his career. Yet, he played a key role in some of the biggest wins of the West Indies. In the longest format of the game, Chanderpaul had the technique to bat longer. His unorthodox way of batting was often replicated by many across the world.

Many associate him with the red ball format given his defensive nature as a batter. Not many fondly remember him as an ODI batter. However, the West Indian had many great innings even in ODIs. During his time, the West Indies did not have a great lineup. Yet, Shivnarine won a lot of matches for the men in maroon. While some of them were against mediocre sides, others were against strong sides.

Here are the three best scores of Shivnarine Chanderpaul in ODIs.

127*(138) vs Zimbabwe

It was the opening ODI of the series between Zimbabwe and the West Indies. Batting first on a tricky surface like Harare, the home side put on a very good total. Thanks to the fifties from Justice Chibhabha and Stuart Matsikenyeri, Zimbabwe posted 274 runs on the board. A chase of 275 was hard on a surface like Harare.

On a wicket which was slowing down considerably, the West Indian batters struggled to get going. Some of the batters threw their wickets against the run of play. Chanderpaul came in at 2/1 and framed a good partnership with Runako Morton. The latter’s wicket led to WI’s collapse. Despite Chanderpaul’s 127*(135), the visiting side lost the match by 30 runs.

149*(136) vs India

It was the first ODI of the series between India and the West Indies. Batting first, India posted a great total of 338/3. Four of their five batters scored the fifties. The incredible finishing from Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni meant India had the upper hand. Chasing 339, WI were in a very good position, thanks to the opening partnership between Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle.

The wicket of Gayle turned the tide. His 52(46) began a collapse from WI. Marlon Samuels and Brian Lara gave a bit of their support. However, the heavy work had to be carried out by Shivnarine who scored an unbeaten 149*(136). His knock included 16 fours and 3 sixes. Unfortunately, the West Indies lost the match by 14 runs. Despite being on the losing side, Chanderpaul won the Player of the Match award.

150(136) vs South Africa

It was the second ODI of the series between South Africa and the West Indies. It turned out to be the most memorable day for Chanderpaul in his ODI career as he registered his personal best in the format. Batting first, WI was reduced to 46/3 in a quick time. Shivnarine was joined by Carl Hooper. The duo notched up a hundred each and gave an upper hand to the visiting side.

While Hooper perished after scoring 108(119), the Southpaw continued and scored 150(136). His knock included 20 boundaries and a lot of running between the wickets. Against an attack featuring Shaun Pollock, Chanderpaul batted well and helped the visiting side to score 292 runs in their 50 overs. West Indies ended up beating the home side by 43 runs. Chanderpaul won the Player of the Match award for his brilliant knock.