Most Ducks in ODI Cricket – Sanath Jayasuriya

ODI cricket, known for its blend of strategy and speed, has seen many outstanding performances. However, every batsman also faces the risk of getting out for a duck – a term used when a batsman gets out without scoring any runs. In this article, we delve into the top 5 batsmen who have the dubious distinction of having the most ducks in ODI cricket.

Understanding the Concept of Ducks in Cricket

What is a Duck in Cricket?

• A duck in cricket is when a batsman gets out without scoring. It’s a moment of disappointment for players and can often change the course of the game.

Different Types of Ducks

• Golden Duck: Out on the first ball faced.
• Silver Duck: Out on the second ball.
• Diamond Duck: Out without even getting the chance to face a ball, usually run out.

Rank	Player	Team	Ducks	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest Score	100s	50s	Avg
1	Sanath Jayasuriya	Sri Lanka	34	445	433	13,430	189	28	68	32.36
2	Shahid Afridi	Pakistan	30	398	369	8,064	124	6	39	23.57
3	Wasim Akram	Pakistan	28	356	280	3,717	86	0	6	16.52
4	Mahela Jayawardene	Sri Lanka	28	448	418	12,650	144	19	77	33.37
5	Lasith Malinga	Sri Lanka	26	226	119	567	56	0	1	6.83

Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)

Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka leads the list with the highest number of ducks in ODI cricket. In his 445 matches, he got out for a duck 34 times. Despite this, he scored a total of 13,430 runs, with a high score of 189. His average stands at 32.36, and he hit 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries.

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)

Shahid Afridi from Pakistan ranks second with 30 ducks in 398 matches. Afridi’s aggressive batting style led him to score 8,064 runs, with his highest score being 124. He secured 6 centuries and 39 fifties, maintaining an average of 23.57. If you are an IPL enthusiast, you can also learn more facts like most ducks in IPL history.

Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

Wasim Akram, another Pakistani cricket legend, is third with 28 ducks in 356 matches. Known more for his bowling, Akram scored 3,717 runs, with a top score of 86 and an average of 16.52. He hit 6 half-centuries in his career.

Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene also has 28 ducks, recorded in 448 matches. He scored 12,650 runs, including 19 centuries and 77 fifties, with a highest score of 144. Jayawardene’s batting average stands at 33.37.

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

Lasith Malinga of Sri Lanka has 26 ducks in 226 matches. Known primarily for his bowling, Malinga scored 567 runs with a high score of 56 and a batting average of 6.83. He has one half-century to his name.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while scoring ducks is often seen negatively, it’s a part of the game that even the best face. This list of top 5 batsmen with the most ducks in ODI cricket illustrates that even the greatest players have their off days.