Ever since the inception of the game the cricket world has seen a number of players take the field and most so it happens that they manage to stick around for a significant period of time. But, have you ever thought of the players who have faded away after a single performance?
Well, there could be many reasons as to why the unfortunate event happens, reasons ranging from injury to out of contention due to the dominating playing squad, we have seen a number of instances in International cricket when a player has landed a memorable debut but have failed to represent the country again.
Cricwizz, today takes a look at the top players who have been a one-match wonder in the shortest format of the game.
1) Subramaniam Badrinath (India)
The former Indian middle-order batsman an integral part of the IPL, Subramaniam Badrinath happened to represent the Indian T20I in one instance as a reward for his rich domestic league form. The right-hander did not disappoint the selectors as we went to play a match-winning knock of 43 runs from 37 balls which in turn earned him the MOM award.
Although his valiant effort to award India a win by 16 runs was rewarded with a MOM award, it is was very unfortunate that the 40-year old was not again picked in the Indian squad for the shortest format primarily due to his inability to play the big shots and pace his innings at a higher Strike-rate seemed to be the reasons for the decision.
| Matches | Runs | SR | BF |
| 1 | 43 | 116.22 | 37 |
2) Qais Ahmad (Afghanistan)
The 20-year old managed to get into the limelight in his very first match by picking up 3 crucial wickets for 25 runs in his quota of 4 overs. His impressive bowling performance helped Afghanistan restrict the Irish side to 142. However, the youngster is yet to represent the Nation after that encounter.
Ahmad is an integral part of the domestic leagues all over the world and has been consistently performing in the PSL, CPL, and Big Bash League. The primary reason for his absence in the National side is because of the star-studded spin line-up of Afghanistan that includes Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb-ur- Rahman. But with age on his side, the leggie definitely seems to be the future of the Afghanistan team.
| Matches | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
| 1 | 3 | 25 | 6.25 |
3) Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
Third, on the list, we have the sensational kiwi talent- Jacob Duffy who managed to run through the batting line-up of Pakistan in his only International game to date. The 26-year old was part of the second-string team that took on Pakistan in a 3-match series and to one’s surprise, the pacer showcased some top-notch pace bowling in which he managed to pick 4 wickets which included the likes of openers- Mohammad Rizwan and veteran all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez earning him the MOM award.
Duffy is still waiting to make his second appearance in the National side and the wait does seem to be a long one considering the bowlers like Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Kyle Jamieson have been delivering the goods one time. However, the pacer is likely to play an integral part in the New Zealand line-up in the near future.
| Matches | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
| 1 | 4 | 33 | 8.25 |
4) Mansoor Amjad (Pakistan)
The Pakistani leggie played a vital role in his only game for the Men in green by picking up three crucial wickets in his only over giving away just 3 runs. The 33-year old was never considered in the selections for unknown reasons and his figures of 3-3 on debut still remain to be one of the best in the T20I format.
He was also highly rated by their former Head coach late Bob Woolmer, hailing the leggie to be the future of the Pakistan cricket team. With no more chances given at the highest level, Amjad was later seen playing for Leicestershire at the English County level but failed to inspire.
| Matches | Wickets | Runs | Economy |
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
5) Waqas Maqsood (Pakistan)
Another Pakistani talent who turned to be a wasted talent. The left-arm pacer who came in with a reputation of nailing the reverse swingers and ability to bring the ball into the batsmen made him stand out at the domestic level. The 33-year old earned his opportunity to play for the Nation and he did not disappoint the selectors as he went on to pick up 2 wickets in his 2 overs but leaked away 21 runs.
Although the pacer had a poor economy he did show his ability to pick wickets. Maqsood was never considered in the latter stages but has been an integral part of the Pakistan Super League and T10 leagues that took place in the United Arab Emirates.
Matches: 1, Wickets: 2, Runs: 21, Economy: 11.45
His T20I stats serve no justice to his real ability and for that reason, we have his first-class stats for your reference:
Matches: 73, Wickets: 281, Economy: 3.12, SR: 46.30
Do you agree with us that the pacer was indeed a wasted talent? Do let us know which player on this list deserves another chance in the National side.
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