In cricket, tailenders are usually expected to survive a few balls or support the main batter. But sometimes, they rise beyond expectations and become heroes. These are the moments that make fans jump out of their seats — when bowlers turn into batters, when No. 10 and 11 fight like top-order stars, and when games are flipped upside down.
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This list brings you the Top 10 Times Tailenders in Cricket Stunned the Opposition — those glorious, unexpected moments when underdogs fought back and made history.
10. Ishant Sharma – 31 vs England (Lord’s Test 2014)
Not known for his batting times, Ishant’s 31-run stand with Bhuvneshwar Kumar was vital. But more importantly, he followed it with a fiery 7-wicket haul. While not a match-winner with the bat, it was one of those moments where tailenders in cricket added much-needed grit at the right time.
9. Tino Best – 95 vs England (2012, Edgbaston)
Coming in at No. 11, Tino Best played one of the most explosive innings ever by a tailender times. He smashed 95 off 112 balls, narrowly missing a century. This knock redefined what tailenders in cricket could do when given the chance.
8. Mohammed Shami – 56 vs England (Lords 2021)*
Shami, along with Bumrah times, pulled off a miraculous unbroken 89-run stand. India were 209/8, leading by just 182, but Shami’s aggressive 56* stunned the English side and helped seal an unforgettable victory. It was a perfect example of how tailenders in cricket can change the course of a game.
7. Ashton Agar – 98 vs England (2013 Ashes Debut)
On debut and batting at No. 11, Agar smashed 98 runs and broke records for the highest score by a No. 11 batter. His fearless strokeplay shocked England and showed that tailenders in cricket times can rise under pressure and even outshine the top order.
6. James Anderson & Monty Panesar – The Great Escape (2009 Cardiff Test)
With England down and out against Australia, Anderson and Panesar survived over 11 overs to draw the match. They didn’t score much, but their defense was legendary. This defensive wall by tailenders in cricket times saved a Test and shifted momentum in England’s favor.
5. Pat Cummins – 63 vs Pakistan (Galle, 2022)*
In tough spinning conditions, Cummins came in as a lower-order batter and helped rescue Australia with a fighting 63*. The way he handled the pressure showed how tailenders in cricket times are now evolving into dependable batters under crisis.
4. Ben Hilfenhaus & Peter Siddle – 76-run Stand vs South Africa (2009)
In a tense chase, these two tailenders almost got Australia home. Though they fell short times, the 76-run partnership under pressure was a strong reminder that tailenders in cricket can’t be taken lightly anymore.
3. Nathan Lyon – 47 vs India (2014 Adelaide Test)
Lyon, known more for his bowling, nearly pulled off a stunning run-chase times alongside Mitchell Marsh. While India won the match, Lyon’s attacking intent and bravery stood out — another great effort from tailenders in cricket on the biggest stage.
2. VVS Laxman & Ishant Sharma – 81-run Stand vs Australia (2010 Mohali)
Laxman was batting with a back issue, and India were 124/8, chasing 216. Ishant held one end with great composure, helping add a game-winning times 81-run stand. It was one of the most intelligent partnerships involving tailenders in cricket.
1. Kusal Perera & Vishwa Fernando – 78-run Stand vs South Africa (Durban, 2019)
Sri Lanka were 226/9, needing 78 to win. Everyone thought it was over — but Perera and Fernando stunned the world. Fernando survived while Perera produced a miracle. This partnership remains the gold standard for tailenders in cricket turning defeat into glory.
Why Tailenders in Cricket Are No Longer Just “Bunnies”
- Better training: Most tailenders now practice batting seriously.
- Strategic use: Teams now rely on tailenders to extend innings.
- Psychological impact: A long tail frustrates bowlers and shifts momentum.
- Increased belief: History shows tailenders can win games — and they now believe it.
Honorable Mentions
- Zaheer Khan’s gritty 75 vs Bangladesh (2004)
- Shoaib Akhtar’s 43 vs India (1999)
- Kagiso Rabada’s 44 vs England (2020)
- Trent Boult’s cameos in IPL 2020
The game of cricket has evolved — and so have its tailenders. No longer just walking wickets, they are now capable of standing tall against world-class attacks, delivering counterpunches, and even winning matches when hope seems lost.
These 10 moments prove that tailenders in cricket can no longer be ignored. In a game of glorious uncertainties, it’s often these unlikely heroes who script the most dramatic and emotional finishes. When they fight back, it’s not just an innings — it’s a statement.
FAQ – Tailenders in Cricket!
Q1: What is a tailender in cricket?
A tailender is usually a lower-order batter, typically from the bowling unit, batting at positions 8 to 11.
Q2: Can tailenders win matches alone?
Yes, as seen in matches like the Kusal Perera-Fernando stand, they can change the game’s outcome.
Q3: Who is the best tailender in cricket history?
Players like Jason Gillespie, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Ashton Agar have delivered incredible knocks.