Credit: Google
There is this rather envy-insirping list of batters belonging to the modern template of the game who are neither superstars not perhaps all time batting legends when you think of the likes of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, Ricky Thomas Ponting, Jacques Henry Kallis or Brian Charles Lara. But the best part about this list is that it's elite members have done something, especially in 50-over cricket that neither of these (above mentioned) cricketing superstars or demigods managed in their time.
As a matter of fact, not even the modern day greats playing in the present-day era such as Joe Root or Kane Williamson or even Virat Kohli have managed a particular blazing ODI batting feat. This brings us to question who are these envy-inspiring batters that our list talks about? Well, without much further ado, let us pause to appreciate those in the list of batters responsible for most consecutive 50-plus scores in ODI cricket (featuring Matthew Breetzke).
Players with most consecutive 50+ scores in ODI cricket
Javed Miandad: 9
Not the one with the most exquisite big shots or the the most power-infused blows for Pakistan; rather a thinking and intelligent cricketer who would often try to push for Pakistan's case in both formats of the game using quirks, commitment and consistency. There was this element of dependability where it came to Javed Miandad's batting. This was felt in ODI cricket given the way Miandad formed stands, took the control of the game into his hands from an end and combined great strike rotation with exploration of gaps on either side of the wicket. From the onset of March, 1987 to October of that very year, Javed Miandad struck nine consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs.
Imam-ul-Haq: 7
There's been an element of class given his redoubtable batting talent, isn't it? Imam-ul-Haq is a strong figure present on the list of batters with most consecutive 50+ ODI scores. From the period of July 2021 to June 2022, he registered seven such scores consecutively in one day cricket.
He's been a classy and elegant left hander for Pakistan, who's already made a few in and outs from the national team but will look to further solidify his presence for Pakistan in international cricket.
Gordon Greenidge: 6
There was a period of time where together alongside his Barbadian batting partner Desmond Haynes, (today, a revered figure in the administrative aspects governing West Indian cricket), Gordon Greenidge formed a decimating top order batting cauldron for his Caribbean side.
He was, at his pomp, aggressive, fearless and was punishing to anything bowled short, or in his range. Most of the world's capable and talented bowlers feared the very sight of him and Greenidge could control the flow of an inning for his WI team by adding an element of sensational hitting and thrust that today forms a part of the Eighties era nostalgia.
From the onset of December 1979 to May 1980, the right hander fired six consecutive 50-plus scores in ODIs.
Mark Waugh: 6
There was an element of class, an element of will and that great grace about "Junior" aka Mark Edward Waugh, who is one among world class batters on the list of those with most consecutive 50+ ODI scores. From the period of January 13, 1999 to January 26 that very year, Waugh fired six fifties in his quintessential calm and graceful style. He was always a joy to watch and alongside names like the great Adam Gilchrist, and Ricky Ponting, remained one of the most magnificent batters in all of Australia.
His sense of timing of the white ball and even slip fielding heralded Australia to some of their biggest cricketing moments back in the Nineties up until the late 2000s.
Matthew Breetzke: 5
The Proteas would certainly want someone like their current toughie in the middle order - Matthew Breetzke - to continue with the good work that the able youngster has already demonstrated especially in ODI cricket and for good measure.
When Breetzke fired his dominant 85 most recently at the home of cricket, Lord's, he contributed mightily to the visiting Protea team total against England; the English were left licking their wounds as South Africa completed a five-run win in the end to take the three-mathc ODI series 2-0 with another game to go.
He has already scored five consecutive fifty-plus scores for a young man whose career has only just begun, Matthew Breetzke is akin to the fresh breeze flowing up the mountain for the Proteas. The gritty batter is already averaging in the early 90s in his ODI career!
FAQs
Which Protea batter is responsible for most consecutive 50+ ODI scores?
Matthew Breetzke has that record for the South African team in one day cricket.
Which batter holds the record for most consecutive 50+ ODI score for Pakistan cricket?
It is none other than the great Javed Miandad with nine such 50-plus scores.
