In One Day International cricket, the final over often carries the heaviest weight, capable of changing the outcome of an entire match. Whether chasing a daunting total or defending a modest score, the pressure on both bowlers and batsmen peaks during these last six deliveries. Over the years, some of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI have entered cricketing folklore due to their explosive nature, dramatic twists, and sheer audacity.
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Here, we explore the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI, showcasing the moments when the final 6 balls turned games upside down.
10. Mohammed Shami vs David Miller – 2022
Even elite bowlers like Mohammed Shami are not immune to pressure in the dying moments of a match. In a high-stakes encounter, David Miller attacked Shami relentlessly, scoring 17 runs off the final over. Each shot combined power, timing, and audacity, leaving Shami struggling to regain control. This over reminds cricket fans that in the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI history, even the finest bowlers can be undone when a batsman finds rhythm at the death.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Context | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Shami | David Miller | 17 | SA chasing last over | 4, 6, 2, 2, 1, 2 |
9. Ben Stokes vs Kieron Pollard – 2017
Kieron Pollard is synonymous with explosive finishes, and his showdown against England showcased his immense power. Chasing a tight target, Pollard unleashed a brutal 17-run final over off Ben Stokes. Although it was not enough to secure a win, the over stands as one of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI, emphasizing the psychological and tactical challenges bowlers face during crunch situations. Each ball required precision, yet Pollard’s dominance made the over a masterclass in finishing under pressure.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Stokes | Kieron Pollard | 17 | WI needed 20 off last | 4, 6, 2, 1, 4, 0 |
8. Nuwan Kulasekara vs Glenn Maxwell – 2015
Glenn Maxwell’s aggressive style and unconventional shots were fully on display in this over. Nuwan Kulasekara attempted to bowl full and wide, but Maxwell’s mastery of timing and placement turned the last over into one of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI history. With 18 runs conceded, it became a showcase of how a single batsman can completely dominate the last six balls, turning a potentially tight finish into a display of individual brilliance.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuwan Kulasekara | Glenn Maxwell | 18 | Australia batting last | 6, 4, 0, 4, 2, 2 |
7. Wayne Parnell vs Ross Taylor – 2014
Glenn Maxwell’s aggressive style and unconventional shots were fully on display in this over. Nuwan Kulasekara attempted to bowl full and wide, but Maxwell’s mastery of timing and placement turned the last over into one of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI history. With 18 runs conceded, it became a showcase of how a single batsman can completely dominate the last six balls, turning a potentially tight finish into a display of individual brilliance.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuwan Kulasekara | Glenn Maxwell | 18 | Australia batting last | 6, 4, 0, 4, 2, 2 |
6. Lasith Malinga vs Thisara Perera – 2013
Even legendary death bowler Lasith Malinga found himself under immense pressure in this match. Thisara Perera’s clean, powerful strokes resulted in 18 runs off Malinga’s final over. Known for his toe-crushing yorkers, Malinga could not prevent Perera from attacking decisively, turning the over into one of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI. It serves as a stark reminder that even the best bowlers can be vulnerable in high-pressure moments.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | Thisara Perera | 18 | SL needed 17 off last | 4, 6, 2, 0, 6, 0 |
5. Craig White vs Yuvraj Singh – 2002
The historic NatWest final showcased Yuvraj Singh’s fearless approach under pressure. Facing Craig White in the last over, Yuvraj attacked relentlessly, scoring 19 runs and dramatically shifting momentum. This over is remembered as one of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI, not just for the runs conceded but also for its impact on the match outcome. It highlights how a single over can define both a player’s legacy and a team’s victory.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Context | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craig White | Yuvraj Singh | 19 | India chasing 326 in final | 6, 4, 4, 1, 2, 2 |
4. Ashish Nehra vs Abdul Razzaq – 2010
With 15 needed off the last over, Abdul Razzaq stepped up in style. His three towering sixes and clever placement turned the final six balls into an unforgettable display, yielding 20 runs. This over ranks among the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI, exemplifying how immense pressure can sometimes trigger extraordinary performances and sudden game-turning moments in cricket history.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashish Nehra | Abdul Razzaq | 20 | Pakistan needed 15 | 6, 0, 6, 0, 6, 2 |
3. Stuart Broad vs MS Dhoni – 2007
MS Dhoni’s finishing prowess is legendary, and his 20-run assault on Stuart Broad is no exception. The final over featured a mix of lofted drives, short-arm jabs, and confident running between wickets. As one of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI, this over serves as a perfect example of a calm, calculated, yet devastating batting display under pressure, helping India chase a tricky target with authority.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Situation | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Broad | MS Dhoni | 20 | India chasing target | 6, 4, 2, 4, 2, 2 |
2. Mitchell Starc vs James Neesham – 2022
James Neesham’s aggressive approach in the final over created pure excitement. Conceding 22 runs, Mitchell Starc witnessed a batter in full command, sending towering sixes and crisp boundaries. Despite New Zealand ultimately losing the match, this over is among the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI, leaving fans in awe of how decisive the final six balls can be in shaping the result of a high-stakes ODI.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Result | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | James Neesham | 22 | Australia won | 4, 4, 6, 2, 4, 2 |
1. Dinesh Karthik vs Soumya Sarkar – 2018 Nidahas Trophy Final
In one of the most thrilling finishes, Dinesh Karthik destroyed Soumya Sarkar in the final over, hitting 22 runs and sealing victory with a six on the last ball. India needed 34 off the last two overs, and Karthik’s composure and power made this over the ultimate example of the Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI, leaving a lasting impression on fans and cementing his place as a clutch performer.
| Bowler | Batsman | Runs Conceded | Match Context | Final Over Sequence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinesh Karthik | Soumya Sarkar | 22 | India needed 34 off last 2 overs | 4, 6, 4, 2, 2, 6 |
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FAQs – Most Expensive Final Overs in ODI
1.What is a “Most Expensive Final Over” in ODI?
It’s the last over of an ODI where a bowler concedes an unusually high number of runs, often changing the match outcome dramatically.
2.What causes a final over to be so costly?
Aggressive batting, pressure on the bowler, fielding errors, and favorable conditions for hitters can make a final over expensive.
3.Which batsmen are known for exploiting final overs?
Players like MS Dhoni, Kieron Pollard, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, and Dinesh Karthik are famous for turning final overs into high-scoring moments.
4.Can a team still win after a costly final over?
Yes, if they have enough runs or wickets in hand, though it often shifts momentum in favor of the batting side.
