Cricket, a sport rich in records and statistics, showcases both the triumphs and struggles of players. One such statistic that garners attention is the most ducks in ODI World Cup history, reflecting a player’s challenging moments. A duck, which occurs when a batter is dismissed without scoring, highlights the unpredictability of cricket. In this article, we delve into the top five players who hold the record for accumulating the most ducks in ODI World Cup tournaments.
1. Nathan Astle – 5 Ducks
Nathan Astle, a key figure in New Zealand’s batting lineup, is at the top of this list. Known for his aggressive batting, Astle represented New Zealand in the ICC ODI World Cup from 1996 to 2003. Across 22 innings, he scored 403 runs but also registered five ducks. His attacking approach, which brought many memorable performances, sometimes led to premature dismissals. Despite the ducks, Astle was a valuable player for the Kiwis during his career.
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2. Ijaz Ahmed – 5 Ducks
Ijaz Ahmed, an explosive middle-order batter from Pakistan, also recorded five ducks in his ICC ODI World Cup career. Playing from 1987 to 1999, he appeared in 26 innings and amassed 516 runs. While he had a reputation for powerful hitting, his eagerness to dominate bowlers often led to early exits. Despite these setbacks, Ijaz remains a respected name in Pakistan’s cricket history for his contributions to the team.
3. Kyle McCallan – 4 Ducks
Kyle McCallan, primarily a bowler for Ireland, is remembered for his batting struggles, particularly during the 2007 ICC ODI World Cup. In that tournament, McCallan played eight innings and scored just 33 runs. Unfortunately, he registered four ducks, placing him among the players with the most ducks in ODI World Cup history. Despite these struggles with the bat, his primary role as a bowler helped him make a significant contribution to Ireland’s campaign during the tournament.
4. Darren Bravo – 4 Ducks
Darren Bravo of the West Indies holds the third position alongside McCallan for the most ducks in ODI World Cup history, with four ducks in his career. Playing 11 innings between 2011 and 2019, Bravo scored 207 runs. Known for his elegant stroke play, he showed flashes of brilliance but often struggled with inconsistency. While his ducks sometimes added pressure on the West Indies team, his potential for scoring big ensured he remained a key part of their plans.
5. Keith Arthurton – 4 Ducks
Keith Arthurton, a celebrated West Indian cricketer, is remembered for his stylish batting during his career. However, between 1992 and 1999, he faced moments of early dismissals, leading to his inclusion among those with the most ducks in ODI World Cup history. In 13 innings across various tournaments, Arthurton managed to score 241 runs. Despite his moments of brilliance, he also recorded four ducks in ICC ODI World Cups, rounding out the list of players with this record.
List of Players with the Most Ducks in ODI World Cup
| Player | Country | Ducks | Innings Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Astle | New Zealand | 5 | 22 |
| Ijaz Ahmed | Pakistan | 5 | 26 |
| Kyle McCallan | Ireland | 4 | 8 |
| Darren Bravo | West Indies | 4 | 11 |
| Keith Arthurton | West Indies | 4 | 13 |
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