Cricket is often dominated by top-order batsmen, but sometimes the lower order comes to the rescue. Tailenders, usually known for their bowling, have occasionally turned games on their head with fearless batting.
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These unforgettable moments remind fans that cricket can be unpredictable, and no player should be underestimated. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 times tailenders stunned the opposition.
1. James Anderson – 81 vs Australia, 2013 Ashes
- Match: England vs Australia, Edgbaston Test
- Performance: Anderson scored a vital 81 to support Ian Bell, adding crucial runs in a tight chase
Anderson’s innings was unexpected but vital. Known primarily as a bowler, he batted with grit and showed the opposition that every wicket counts Tailenders .
2. Pat Cummins – 63 vs New Zealand, 2019 World Cup*
- Match: Australia vs New Zealand
- Performance: Cummins guided Australia to a last-over win with calm lower-order batting
Cummins’ composure under pressure made this tailender performance a defining moment in the match Tailenders .
3. Jasprit Bumrah – 33 & 2 wickets vs England, 2021 T20I*
- Match: India vs England
- Performance: Bumrah hit crucial boundaries while contributing with the ball
Bumrah’s unexpected batting heroics alongside his bowling made this performance memorable, showing why he’s invaluable in T20 cricket Tailenders .
4. Wasim Akram – 60 vs India, 1990 ODI*
- Match: Pakistan vs India
- Performance: Akram rescued Pakistan from a collapse with a lower-order blitz
Even as a legendary bowler, Akram’s batting turned the innings, adding much-needed runs in a critical game.
5. Mitchell Starc – 59 vs South Africa, 2015 World Cup
- Match: Australia vs South Africa
- Performance: Starc hit boundaries and rotated the strike to help Australia post a challenging total
Starc’s aggressive tailend batting stunned the opposition and set up a competitive total.
6. Shaminda Eranga – 42 vs England, 2012 Test*
- Match: Sri Lanka vs England
- Performance: Eranga’s patient batting frustrated England and added crucial runs
This innings exemplified how lower-order resilience can shift momentum in Tests.
7. Ravindra Jadeja – 45 & 3 wickets vs Pakistan, 2017 Champions Trophy
- Match: India vs Pakistan
- Performance: Jadeja stabilized India’s innings while contributing heavily with the ball
Jadeja’s all-round skills once again proved that tailenders can become match-winners.
8. Jason Gillespie – 201 vs Bangladesh, 2006 Test*
- Match: Australia vs Bangladesh
- Performance: Gillespie’s double century as a number 11 stunned everyone
This is arguably the greatest tailender innings in cricket history, showing the unpredictability of cricket.
9. Anil Kumble – 50 vs England, 2002 Test
- Match: India vs England
- Performance: Kumble added crucial lower-order runs while taking key wickets
Kumble’s innings helped India extend their total and frustrate the opposition bowlers.
10. Brett Lee – 45 vs Sri Lanka, 2005 ODI*
- Match: Australia vs Sri Lanka
- Performance: Lee’s blistering hitting rescued Australia from a collapse
Lee’s tailender power-hitting added momentum, turning a potential loss into a challenging total for the opposition.
Why Tailender Heroics Matter
Tailender performances remind everyone that cricket is unpredictable. These lower-order heroes can frustrate opponents, rescue innings, and even turn matches, proving that every run counts, regardless of batting position
