Ranking Hamilton Masakadza’s Top 3 performances in ODI cricket

Former Zimbabwe all-rounder Hamilton Masakadza was born on this day (August 9) in 1983. He has been a vital cog in the Zimbabwean team alongside Brendan Taylor and Elton Chigumbura. Masakadza has represented the Southern African nation in 38 Tests, 209 ODIs and 65 T20Is.

The 50-over format was his forte, where he amassed 5658 runs, including five hundreds and 34 half-centuries. With his right-arm medium pacer, Masakadza has picked up 39 wickets with a best bowling figure of 3/39. As the Zimbabwe great celebrates his 41st birthday, let’s take a look at his top three performances in ODI cricket.

Here are Hamilton Masakadza’s top three performances in ODI cricket

3. 3/39 vs Bangladesh, 2006, Harare 

Masakadza has also contributed significantly to the bowling department. His best performance with the bowl in an ODI was in the third match against Bangladesh in the 2006 series. His 3/39 in eight overs restricted the Bangla Tigers to 236. The hosts overcame the target in the final ball of the innings to clinch a dramatic two-wicket victory.

2. 156(151) vs Kenya, 2009, Harare

On the back of Hamilton Masakadza scintillating hundred, Zimbabwe posted 313 in the first innings of the 2009 ODI series opener. The opening batter amassed 156 off 151 deliveries, with the help of 11 fours and six sixes. In reply, Kenya were bowled out for 222 in 49.5 overs, helping Zimbabwe to a massive 91-run win in Harare.

1. 178*(167) vs Kenya, 2009, Harare

Having already won the series 3-1, Zimbabwe locked horns with Kenya in the fifth and final match with the aim of ending it on a high. Opener Masakadza replicated his heroics once again as he accumulated a mammoth 178 runs off 167 balls. His incredible knock packed with 17 fours and four sixes helped the hosts reach 329 after batting first. He thus became the only Zimbabwe player to go past 150 runs twice in ODIs. Kenya’s chase ended at 187 runs as Zimbabwe won by 142 runs.