In ODI cricket, the No. 4 batting position is critical. Batters at No. 4 can radically alter the game’s momentum. Playing in this batting position is a skill. An ODI No.4 batter does not gain the same amount of attention as a top-order batter and finisher.
The No. 4 batter is in charge for maintaining momentum and increasing the scoring rate if the top order gets off to a strong start. They must score quick runs as soon as their innings starts. If the top order fails, the No.4 batter is in charge of building up and scoring a large partnership to get the side out of danger and make a defendable total.
3. Vivian Richards vs Sri Lanka, 1987
This innings against Sri Lanka at the 1987 World Cup is the most destructive innings ever played by a batter. Richards’ stunning 181 runs from 125 balls saw a rampage of hitting included 16 fours and seven sixes to help the Windies reach 360/4 from their 50 overs.
Richards‘ score at the time surpassed Kapil Dev’s undefeated 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983 as the highest-ever total at a World Cup. Sri Lanka was able to score just 169 runs on the board 12 runs short of what Richards managed on his own to give the West Indies a 191-run victory.
2. Ross Taylor vs England, 2018
New Zealand’s middle-order Ross Taylor produced the best innings of his limited- overs career, scoring a career-best of 181 runs off 147 deliveries to steer his team to a memorable chase of 336 in the fourth ODI, which New Zealand must win against England.
It is still the second highest score by any batter in ODI cricket batting at the position of No.4. In his innings he hit 17 fours and 6 sixes which made his score, the fourth highest individual score in a successful ODI chase. Taylor’s determination on the day ensured New Zealand reached the target safely with three balls to spare.
1. Vivian Richards vs England, 1984
West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards holds the highest individual score of 189 runs off 170 balls batting at No.4 in ODIs. He played this amazing knock against England in 1984 in Manchester. He hit 21 fours and 5 sixes in this knock.
The West Indies were reduced to 162/9 after Neil Foster caught and bowled big bird Joel Garner for 3 runs, making the knock one of the greatest comebacks.The Windies scored 272 runs with the loss of 9 wickets. Other than Richards all the other Windies batters were dismissed in just 83 runs in total.