Matthew Hayden turns 48: The Australia opener's top 5 ODI innings

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden was well-known for decimating the opponent’s bowling attack at the top of the order. His ability to score quickly in all three formats empowered Australia to win many games during his international career. The dangerous left-hander was an integral member of the 2003 and 2007 World Cup-winning squads and his batting exploits in the 2007 edition also earned him the 'Golden Bat' Award.

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On the occasion of Matthew Hayden’s 48th birthday, let’s take a look at five of his best ODI innings -

1.       126 vs India in SCG, 2004

In the second final of the 2004 VB Tri-series against India, he drove, punched and pulled his way to a series-winning hundred for the hosts. The burly southpaw top-scored with 126 and propelled Australia to a huge 359-5 in their 50 overs. Team India had no answers to Australia’s four-pronged pace attack as they squandered their innings at 151 all out.

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2.       181* vs New Zealand in Hamilton, 2007

New Zealand had to endure much of Hayden brunt during his playing days. Out of Hayden’s 10 ODI centuries, four of them came against the New Zealanders. His 181* in the third ODI of 2007’s Chappell-Hadlee Trophy remained his highest ODI score until his retirement. His knock came from just 166 balls and it included 11 boundaries and 10 towering sixes all over the corners of Seddon Park.

3.       101 vs South Africa, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

Opening the innings, Hayden played a scintillating knock of 101 from just 68 balls against an experienced Proteas bowling attack. His innings included 14 fours and 4 sixes, including a straight hit down the ground off Shaun Pollock.

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4.       103 vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007

During the Super Eight stage of that same tournament, Matthew Hayden rampaged his way to yet another match-winning hundred. The left-hander's 103 came from just 100 balls as his side posted 348-6 while batting first.

5.       111 vs India in Vishakhapatnam, 2001

Hayden was Australia’s biggest positive on their tour of India in 2001, which saw the world champions deliver mixed results. After scoring 549 runs in a lost Test series which halted Australia’s unbeaten streak in the longest format, the left-hander carried his rich vain-of form in the ODIs that followed as well. In the fourth ODI, Hayden registered his maiden ODI ton by slamming a match-winning 111 from just 113 balls.

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