Top 5 ODI knocks by New Zealand batsmen in India

#4 Nathan Astle 114 (Nagpur 1995)

Nathan Astle was one of the most entertaining batsmen of his time

New Zealand’s overall record in India may be dismal but Nathan Astle was one of a handful of Kiwi players who relished batting on the Indian pitches. Against India in India, Astle averages 47 in ODIs and 52 in tests, both of which are very impressive numbers.

New Zealand’s tour of India in 1995 was, in particular, a memorable one for Astle as he finished it as the highest run-getter in ODI series. Having made his ODI debut in the same year against the Windies, Astle was still making his early strides in international cricket but he proved to be more than a match for the Indian bowlers.

In the fifth match of the series, Astle struck a sparkling 114 and guided the Kiwis to a massive total of 348. This innings provided a vivid demonstration of his shot-making prowess and cemented Astle’s place at the top of the Kiwi batting order.

Faced with a mountain to climb, the Indian batting line-up came a cropper and was bundled out for 249 thus handing the Kiwis a huge victory. However, this match will be remembered more for being Martin Crowe’s last ODI appearance than for Astle’s breathtaking century.