Five memorable batting performances by batsmen from Associate Nations

Dave Houghton 142(137) vs New Zealand, Hyderabad, 1987

We see Zimbabwe today as a Test nation which has fallen from its glory days but before their Test debut in 1992, they competed as an associate nation. In the 1987 World Cup, Dave Houghton playing for Zimbabwe produced one of the most spectacular ODI innings which is much forgotten today.

In the extremely hot and humid conditions of Hyderabad, Zimbabwe had to chase 243 against a well-oiled New Zealand side. The conclusion appeared obvious as the African nation slipped to 104/7. The wicket-keeper, who had earlier kept wickets for 50 overs in the gruesome conditions assumed the mantle in his hands.

Essaying the very best of the strokes, Dave Houghton single-handedly kept Zimbabwe alive in the match. The fact that only two other Zimbabwean batsmen went beyond the double-figures mark speaks volumes.

Houghton’s 142 from 137 balls studded with 13 boundaries and six sixes carried Zimbabwe in the vicinity of an extraordinary upset. This was then the highest score by an associate nation batsman against a full member. Houghton was out when the team needed 22 runs to win and they eventually fell short by 4 runs.