With the evolution of cricket, we have witnessed a complete change in approach today as compared to the 1970s. The style has changed and with the advent of T20 cricket, the amount of sixes in all the formats of the game has only gone above. However, how many times have we witnessed a player finishing the game on the last ball of an innings with a six in an ODI? Not many, and today, we will discuss those incidences in detail.
1) Lance Klusener
The year is 1999, the place is Napier and once again, it was Klusener doing what he does best. The Proteas all-rounder was facing a robust New Zealand bowling attack and the match arrived at a stage where South Africa required four off the last ball.
Klusener hit a six off the final ball of the innings to Dion Nash and won the game for Africa, putting a probable end to Nash's career.
Lance was known to finish games single-handedly but this was surely the innings that stand above all.
2) Brendon Taylor
Whenever Zimbabwe have performed well or produced a stellar performance, there is always one name that has been a constant on most occasions.
It was 2006 and the former Zimbabwe skipper once again made headlines. Against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe required five off the last ball and Taylor responded with a monstrous six to Mashrafe Mortaza, helping Zimbabwe chase 237 successfully as the home side went home with a wide smile on their faces.
3) Ryan Mclaren
This time the Kiwis were on the receiving end as Mclaren produced one of the best finishes of his career but with the bat. James Franklin ran into bowl to Mclaren as the Proteas needed three runs of the last ball.
Mclaren won the game for his side with a gigantic six and ended his day on a high.
4) Javed Miandad
One of the most brutal moments for Indians, was 1986 and the Asia Cup final, with India playing Pakistan in Sharjah. Pakistan needed four runs off the final ball and it was Chetan Sharma, the renowned Indian pacer who ran into the bowl only to get stuck for a six.
A day that ended in anguish for the Indians while Pakistan and their fans rejoiced for a historic win against their arch-rivals.
5) Shivnarine Chanderpaul
Yes, the West Indies legend with a peculiar batting stance, Chanderpaul played one gem of a knock when his side needed him the most. It was West Indies vs Sri Lanka in 2008 at the Port of Spain and the West Indies required a six off just 1 ball.
Chanderpaul not only scored a six to help his side conquest but he did it to Chaminda Vaas, one of Sri Lanka's best bowlers, and shut down all his haters who questioned his approach.
Let us know your thoughts. Stay tuned with Cricwizz for the best cricket content.