Top 10 highest scores by a number 11 batsman in Test cricket
It is always interesting when tail-enders end up making runs. They are usually full-time bowlers so at best they are expected to retain their wicket for a few overs or rotate the strike in crucial situations if there is a batsman at the other end.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the game of cricket and sometimes things do not exactly go according to plan. Fans and spectators simply love it when the lowest order batsman frustrates the opposition bowlers.
Albeit these cameo's by the number elevens, more often than not, do not alter the result of the match, they have in some cases made things interesting and helped their side in getting a favorable result.
We take a look at the top 10 highest scores made by a number 11 batsman in Tests. All the 10 players featuring in the list are different. It is comical that all the knocks played by these players were one-off and there has never been any batsman who performed consistently with the bat at the number 11 position.
Without further ado, here are the Top 10 highest scores:
#10 Mushtaq Ahmed (59 runs)
This match dates back to 6th October 1997. South Africa were on a tour to Pakistan. Mushtaq Ahmed came in to bat at the number 11 with absolutely no pressure on him. Centuries from Ali Naqvi and Azhar Mahmood had already aided Pakistan in achieving a big total.
Mahmood was still batting at the other end when the leg-break bowler came in to bat. Ahmed could have simply decided to give the strike to the all-rounder but instead, he decided to come out all guns blazing and was not afraid to play his strokes.
Mushie, as he was popularly known, scored 59 runs in just 106 balls. His innings also included 4 fours and 4 sixes. Ultimately Hansie Cronje of South Africa bowled him out.
The match was eventually drawn but Ahmed's cameo was a memorable one.
The veteran Pakistani spinner played 52 Test matches for the national team and scored 656 runs in his Test career. He also went on to clinch 185 wickets in Tests and was an important cog of Pakistan's ODI team as well.