When it comes to World Cup successes, centuries are frequently regarded the closest to the heart for cricketers. Single-handed centuries without major help from colleagues or those in a losing cause, on the other hand, merit special notice in a different context.
The 2023 World Cup saw a second-rate performance until all-rounder Mahmudullah produced a stunning century to rescue Bangladesh’s face against South Africa. The Tigers were 42/4 when the off-spinning all-rounder approached the crease, chasing an unbelievable 383 for win.
Despite having nine wickets fall around him, the 37-year-old held one end up and guided Bangladesh to a solid 233 all-out in the 47th over. It was Mahmudullah’s third World Cup century, the most by a Bangladesh hitter in a World Cup run-chase, and one of just four tons in a World Cup run-chase batting at No.6 or below.
On an otherwise dreary evening at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the knock brought some delight to Bangladesh supporters. When it comes to scoring a World Cup century, Mahmudullah isn’t the only one who comes up short.
Throughout history, countless centuries of renowned athletes have finished on a bad note, with their team losing the game.
Let’s take a look at the top five ODI World Cup hundreds in a losing cause.
1. Sachin Tendulkar vs Sri Lanka, 1996 World Cup
Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries are not always matched by India’s wins. In the 1996 World Cup, he scored a brilliant 137 against Sri Lanka, who later became the champions. He hit eight fours and five sixes, and kept Vaas and Murali wicketless.
But Sri Lanka chased down 271 with ease, thanks to Jayasuriya’s 79 and an unbeaten 131-run stand between Ranatunga and Tilakaratne. This defeat affected India’s morale, as they lost to Sri Lanka again in the semi-final of the same tournament.
Tendulkar’s masterclass was in vain, as Sri Lanka proved to be too strong for India in the 1996 World Cup. His knock was one of the few highlights for India in a disappointing campaign.
2. Mahela Jayawardene vs India, 2011
Mahela Jayawardene’s unbeaten 103 off 88 balls was not enough for Sri Lanka to win the 2011 World Cup final against India. He hit 13 classy fours to take Sri Lanka to 274/6 in the first innings.
But India chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, thanks to Gambhir’s 97 and Dhoni’s 91*. Jayawardene had to endure his second World Cup final loss after 2007.
Jayawardene showed his class and temperament in the big game, but India proved to be too good for Sri Lanka on the night.
3. Carlos Brathwaite vs New Zealand, 2019
Carlos Brathwaite’s 101 off 82 balls was a stunning effort for West Indies against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup. He smashed nine fours and five sixes to take West Indies from 164/7 to 286/9, needing six to win.
But he fell agonizingly short of a miraculous win, as he was caught on the boundary trying to hit a six off the last ball of the 49th over. New Zealand escaped with a five-run win despite Brathwaite’s heroics.
4. Herschelle Gibbs vs Australia, 1999
Herschelle Gibbs scored a superb 101 for South Africa against Australia in the 1999 World Cup Super Six. He hit 13 fours and a six to take South Africa to 271/7 in 50 overs.
But he dropped a crucial catch of Steve Waugh on 56, who went on to score an unbeaten 120 and win the game for Australia. The teams met again in the semi-final, which ended in a tie and Australia advanced on net run-rate.
Gibbs’ century was overshadowed by his drop and South Africa’s heartbreak in the 1999 World Cup.
5. Kevin Pietersen vs Australia, 2007
Kevin Pietersen’s 104 off 122 balls was the only challenge for Australia in the 2007 World Cup. He came in at 24/2 and hit 13 fours and a six against a strong Aussie bowling. Kevin Pietersen took England to 247 in 50 overs.
But Australia chased it down easily in 47.2 overs with seven wickets left. They remained unbeaten in the tournament and won their third consecutive title.