Martin Guptill. Pic Credits: X

NZ vs SL: 3 Best Knocks Of Martin Guptill In ODI Cricket

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From the continent of Oceania, not Australia, one stalwart emerged. He is the only cricketer from his country to have scored a double century. It also came in handy during the knockout games of the 2015 World Cup against the West Indies. By now, any cricket would have identified this genius batsman. Yes, Martin Guptill from New Zealand is the one being discussed here.

After a great career spanning 13 years, Martin Guptill has chosen to retire from the international arena across all formats. He might be seen as a tactical wonder but fans would agree his ability to clear the rope was an effortless sight. He might have retired but his legacy would remain forever etched in the hearts of the hardcore cricket fans.

Martin Guptill humbly said post-retirement: “As a young kid, it was always my dream to play for New Zealand, and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country. I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern.”

Martin Guptill’s Career Overview:

  • 367 International Matches: 198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, 47 Tests
  • Highest ODI score for NZ: 237* vs. West Indies (2015 World Cup)
  • Blackcaps’ all-time leading T20I run-scorer: 3,531 runs
  • Blackcap’s third all-time leading ODI run-scorer: 7,346 runs
  • First NZ Player to score an ODI double-century
  • All-time leading run-scorer at Eden Park (ODIs and T20Is)

Though he has retired from the international arena, Martin Guptill’s hunger for cricket ain’t over yet. He will continue to dominate the world of cricket with his willow in franchise leagues like New Zealand’s Dream11 Super Smash and Big Bash League (BBL). Let’s pay homage to one of the greats of the game by remembering three of his beautiful ODI knocks.

3 ODI Knocks of Martin Guptill That Will Always Be Remembered

1. 237* vs West Indies – 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup

The stage was set. It was the quarterfinals of the most prestigious cricketing event – The World Cup. In 2015, Martin Guptill came to bat against the West Indies in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. He never in his wildest dreams would have thought he could smash 24 fours and 11 sixes in the knockout game. He stood there like a rock anchoring the innings and scored a mammoth 237 not out of 163 balls. He took New Zealand’s total to 393/6, making it impossible for the West Indies to chase it down.

After hitman, Rohit Sharma, Martin Guptill’s 237* is the second-highest individual score in ODIs to date. He didn’t try to overhit the ball and had supreme control over the West Indies bowling attack from the start. They could not get him out due to his controlled batting and ultimate timing of the cricket ball. He toyed with the West Indies bowlers all over the park, reserving a semifinal spot even before the second innings started.

2. 180 vs South Africa in  2017 ODI Series

This knock not only helped New Zealand clinch the series but also reinforced Guptill’s reputation as one of the best limited-overs openers the game has ever produced.

If putting a mammoth total for his country is an art, then Martin Guptill is also the artist of becoming a powerful predator like Virat Kohli to prey on his opponents. A true chase master who showcased his elegant batting in the 5th ODI against the Proteas in 2017. This time he scored 180 of just 138 balls and remained in the crease till the Kiwis flew with a win. Ross Taylor wasn’t meeting the balls the way he used to, so Guptill rotated strikes at the right time and chased down 280 in Hamilton in style.

The seven-wicket victory over the South Africans is still one of the most beautiful chases ever witnessed in the cricketing world. 15 fours and 11 sixes from his bat ensured the win for his homeland. Being one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen, Martin Guptill not just won the match but also the series for the Blackcaps.

3. 189 vs England 2013 ODI Series

Martin Guptill silently conquered the English bowling attack in this classical knock. He scored a herculean 189* off 155 balls. In his entire innings, he had hit just 2 sixes. Only a few players in the international space could pull off something brilliant like this overseas. In the third ODI of the 2013 series against England, the world witnessed a batting masterclass. This pure display of fine stroke-making got England to a staggering total of 359/3.

He built the innings pretty slowly and timed it to perfection in the latter part of the innings. Although only 2 balls were hit beyond the boundary rope, 19 rolled to all parts of the ground supporting the big score of Martin Guptill. The Englishmen knew they were defeated by the Midas touch of Martin. He struck gold and stole the victory even before the first innings ended.

Martin Guptill a team man

Born on September 30th in Auckland, this superstar batter Martin Guptill had single-handedly won many matches for his homeland. He is a true GOAT in the limited-overs format; a formidable sportsman New Zealand has ever produced. Be it his short-arm pull, glorious lofted shots, and straight drives, Martin Guptill has earned his name in the white ball format for his sheer dedication and love for the game. His dream of winning the World Cup for the Blackcaps didn’t come true as he was unlucky in the most thrilling World Cup Final ever played. Kane Williamson’s men were on the losing side in 2019. But a few men will be remembered for their tenacity and team spirit, Martin Guptill is one of that kind.

Also Read: NZ vs SL: “I Feel Incredibly Lucky & Proud To Have Played 367 Games For My Country”- Martin Guptill Bids Adieu To International Cricket


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