5 most spectacular ODI batting performances of 2018

#1. Ross Taylor’s epic 181 not out against England

Ross Taylor fought his injury to play an incredible knock

New Zealand headed into the fourth ODI of the five-match series with a trail of 2-1. England needed to clinch this match to gain an assailable lead of 3-1, and they were well on their way at 267/1 in 37 overs. Hosts New Zealand pulled back things at Dunedin and faced a target of 336 runs to stay alive in the series.

Blackcaps suffered a terrible start as they lost their openers Colin Munro and Martin Guptill for zero. Ross Taylor walked out to bat with the team’s score reading 2/2 and played the knock of life. He first had the support of Kane Williamson and then found a deputy in Tom Latham.

Accumulating runs relentlessly, Taylor and Latham stitched a partnership of 187 runs for the fourth wicket. Diving for a brace after his 19th ODI century, the number four suffered an injury which hampered his running severely. A limping and hobbling Taylor did not retire hurt and waged the battle for the team’s chances.

After Latham’s fall, Colin de Grandhomme’s quick-fire 23 from 12 brought the Kiwis closer but still demanded a final effort from Taylor. Needing 32 from the last four overs, Taylor smashed Woakes for six and four to set New Zealand in the driving seat. The limping legend finished 181 not out from 147 balls and saw his team close an unbelievable chase.