9 Times the middle-order won the World Cup semi-finals and finals

#6) Aus vs SL – 2003 World Cup Semi-Final

During the big stages, Andrew Symonds was often the savior for his team.

How many times has this man turned the tide for his team? Andrew Symonds walked in at No 5 in the 2003 World Cup semi-inal when Australia were struggling at 51/3. He remained unbeaten on 91 to take Australia to yet another modest World Cup total of 212 runs, which their bowlers were good enough to defend yet again. Sometimes even 250 runs may suffice in a high-pressure match.

#7) SL vs NZ – 2007 World Cup Semi-Final

If there was ever a Sri Lankan wall, it had to be Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene walked in during the 14th over of the World Cup semi-final versus New Zealand and played a scintillating knock. He remained unbeaten on 115 runs off 109 balls, taking Sri Lanka from a potentially dangerous situation at 67/2 to 289/5. They won the match by 81 runs with Jayawardene chosen the man of the match. Middle-order batsmen should have the potential to play from the first to the last over of an innings if necessary.