It was a remarkable day for ODI cricket, with six centuries scored across three matches in different parts of the world. This achievement set a new record for the most centuries in men's ODIs on a single day. The matches took place between India and the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, South Africa and Australia at Johannesburg, and England versus Sri Lanka at London. These impressive performances showcased the magic of 50-over cricket.
In the first ODI between India and the West Indies, three stunning centuries were scored. Justin Greaves of the West Indies slammed his maiden ODI ton, scoring 101 in 108 balls, with 12 fours. In reply, Indian skipper Shubman Gill reached his 10th ODI ton, scoring 110 in 108 balls, with 13 fours and a six. Virat Kohli also scored a ruthless 139* off 88 balls, with 12 fours and nine sixes, becoming the second player after Sachin Tendulkar to join the 15,000-run ODI club.
The 'Pink ODI' between South Africa and Australia saw the hosts go big, with David Miller slamming his career-best score of 142 in 93 balls, with 12 fours and nine sixes. Skipper Temba Bavuma also scored his fifth ODI ton as a captain, scoring 103 in 110 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes. South Africa posted 365/9 on the board. During the chase, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head set the tempo with a 130-run opening stand, but Australia lost wickets at regular intervals and skittled out for 333 in 49.5 overs.
The series decider between England and Sri Lanka at The Oval delivered the sixth century, with opener Tom Banton scoring his maiden ODI ton, 126 in 105 balls, with 16 fours and five sixes. Banton's performance, along with skipper Harry Brook's 77 in 66 balls, laid down the foundation for England's massive total of 355/7 in 50 overs. In turn, Sri Lanka was skittled out for 132 in 29.1 overs, with a three-fer from Liam Dawson being the highlight.
These performances showcased the magic of 50-over cricket, with a masterful run-chase in India, a run-fest at Johannesburg, and an all-round masterclass with bat and ball at London by England. The record-breaking six ODI tons on 'Super Sunday' remind the world of the uniqueness of ODI cricket in an era where T20 cricket-styled batting and cash, World Test Championship points are slowly causing ODIs to lose their space in the cricketing calendar.
David Miller's exceptional run against Australia continued, with 1,184 runs at an average of 59.2 and a strike rate of almost 107, with four centuries and six fifties in 28 ODI innings. Miller's eight ODI tons are now level with England's Jos Buttler for most ODI tons batting at five or below. Virat Kohli's calculated, merciless 'Chasemaster' avatar and Tom Banton's ruthless hitting demonstrated their skills.
The results of these matches had significant implications for the teams involved. India's win marked a strong start to their campaign, while South Africa's loss to Australia was a setback. England's win against Sri Lanka kept their hopes alive in the series. As the cricketing world moves towards T20 cricket, ODI cricket continues to showcase its magic and uniqueness.
Key points
- A record-breaking six centuries were scored across three ODIs on Sunday.
- David Miller, Virat Kohli, and Tom Banton scored impressive centuries.
- These performances showcased the magic and uniqueness of 50-over cricket.
