Ranking Michael Clarke’s top 3 performances in ODI cricket

Michael Clarke has been a polarizing figure in Australian cricketing circles. While some loved him for his elegant stroke play and open personality, others used to dislike him for being too flamboyant and sometimes a bit cocky for his out-of-the-field controversies. If we talk about his cricketing prowess, he is one of the most versatile batters in Australian cricket. 

Michael Clarke had a decent career while playing for Australia. He made his debut in January 2003 and featured in 245 ODIs for Australia in his 12-year-old ODI career in which he amassed 7,981 runs at an impressive average of 44.59. He mostly played in the middle order for Australia and scored 8 centuries and 58 centuries in his illustrious career.  

His most prominent achievement in ODIs is leading Australia to their 5th ODI World Cup title in 2015 on home soil. In this article, we will rank his top 3 best performances in ODI cricket: 

3. 100 not out vs Pakistan- Abu Dhabi- 2009 

Michael Clarke has often saved the Australian team from dire situations in his career and one of the prime examples of it was against Pakistan. Australia was chasing a small target of 198 runs, and they were left stranded at 2 for 3 on the back of a ferocious spell from Shoaib Akhtar.  

It was looking like Shoaib Akhtar would run down the Australian middle order, but Clarke had other plans. He along with Shane Watson stitched a match-saving partnership and Australia easily cruised to the target without losing any further wickets with 34 balls to spare. Michael Clarke went on to score an unbeaten century in 122 balls including 14 boundaries. It was also Clarke’s first century as Australia’s captain. 

2. 105 vs England – Manchester-2013 

Michael Clarke finally scored his 1st century against England at the Old Trafford in Manchester. It is one of the prominent knocks of Michael Clarke as Australia was reeling at 116 for 3 in the 22nd over when he came into bat. If Australia had lost one more wicket, then they would have fallen into a deeper trap against arch-rivals England. 

However, Michael Clarke held his nerves and anchored the entire Australia innings which allowed George Bailey to play the aggressor and take Australia to a winning score of 315 runs which Australia further defended successfully. Clarke hit 14 boundaries in his innings of 105 runs. 

 1. 130 vs India – Bengaluru -2007 

Michale Clarke has always been a nemesis for the Indian bowling attack throughout his career irrespective of the format. Whether it has been Tests or ODIs, he has registered his highest scores in both these formats against India only. Michael Clarke brought up his highest ODI score in Bengaluru when he scored 130 before getting out on the last ball of the innings. 

Unfortunately, the match could not be completed because of rain but Clarke stamped his authority on the Indian bowlers with his valiant knock. He came into bat when Australia was reeling at 90 for 4 in the 17th over but Clarke stitched a crucial 144-run partnership with Brad Haddin to take Australia to a mammoth 307 runs after 50 overs.

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