Ranking Michael Clarke’s top 3 innings in T20 cricket

Michael Clarke has been an enigmatic figure in Australian cricket. He was one of the few Australian batters who was destined to succeed with his endeavors from a very young age group cricket in New South Wales, he showed immense talent. In line with everyone’s expectations, he blew away the cricketing world with a century on debut against India at their turf.

However, post the dream debut he faced some initial hiccups in his initial international career but eventually realized his potential and cemented his place in the Australian setup. Despite this, Michael Clarke wasn’t really well accepted by the Australian public as he was contrary to the hard feisty Aussie player image.

Michael Clarke was perceived more as a soft, flashy player who was known for his off-the-field controversies of dating models, partying and wearing the latest fashions rather than working on his game. His personality suited the T20 style of play but unfortunately, he didn’t have a long T20 career for Australia as he played his last game for Australia in 2010. 

Michael Clarke scored 488 runs in the 28 T20I he played at an average of 21.22 and a mediocre average of 103.17. In this article, let us dive into his T20I career and explore his top 3 knocks in international cricket in T20Is:

3) 30 off 17 balls vs Pakistan – 2010

Michael Clarke’s was one of the few impact knocks in the T20I format came against Pakistan in 2010. Australia lost the match by 11-runs but Michael Clarke impressed the critics with his 17-ball 30 runs. He was going through a lean patch before this knock as he hadn’t reached the 30-run mark before in the last 7 innings but this innings against a formidable Pakistan bowling attack revived Michael Clarke’s T20 career.

2) 37 off 24 balls vs South Africa- 2006

At the 2nd spot in our list is another blistering knock of 37 runs off just 24 balls played by Michael Clarke against South Africa in 2006 in another losing cause. South Africa posted a huge target of 202 runs, in response to which Australia could manage only 199 and lost by 2 runs. In his short and crisp innings, Michael Clarke blasted three cracking sixes but could not take Australia over the line as they fell short by a paltry margin of two runs in the end.

1) 67 off 45 balls vs New Zealand- 2010

It was a super-over thriller between Australia and New Zealand where the latter emerged victorious. It was a Brendon McCullum show who blasted a 116-run knock to take New Zealand to 214 runs in their 20 overs.

Australia in response to the mammoth target had a rollicking start and were looking well on course to chase down the target. Michael Clarke led the chase for Australia with his 45-ball 67 runs including 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. In the end New Zealand kept their nerves and won the contest in a thrilling super over. It was Michael Clarke’s first and only T20I half –century.

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