Top 5 spells of Stuart Broad

#4 4/15 vs South Africa, Chennai - 2011 (ODI)

This was one of Broad's finest performances in ODI cricket.

In the 2011 World Cup, England were off to an indifferent start. Netherlands made them sweat in their opening encounter while they were involved in a high-scoring tie against India. England then were stunned by Ireland who chased down 328. Their next game was against South Africa who had won both their previous encounters.

In a day-game, England won the toss and opted to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. They were bowled out for 171 and were once again staring down the barrel. The Proteas were off to a good start as it looked like England’s poor World Cup campaign would continue.

But Graeme Swann provided England with the breakthrough breaking the 63-run opening stand. It was then Stuart Broad who picked up the next two wickets to put pressure on the South African middle-order. Broad dismissed Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis in consecutive overs to bring England back in the game. The tall Nottinghamshire pacer was bowling really well and was not giving anything away. The South African batsmen found it tough to score against Broad.

Broad who bowled an excellent four-over initial spell came back at the death and took the last two wickets to give England a memorable win. Broad finished with figures of 4/15 and was one of the chief architects of England’s win.