All-rounders are cricket’s ultimate match-winners. They can rescue a batting collapse, take crucial wickets, and turn games single-handedly. The greatest all-round performances are those where a player dominated both disciplines in the same match, leaving fans in awe.
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From Gary Sobers to Ben Stokes, these moments stand as proof that all-rounders are the heartbeat of a cricket team.
1. Sir Garfield Sobers – 1966 vs England
- Batting: 161 runs in the first innings
- Bowling: 5/41 in the second innings
Sobers led West Indies to victory with an incredible first-innings ton followed by a destructive bowling spell. His ability to change the game in both innings made this one of cricket’s most complete performances Greatest.
2. Kapil Dev – 1983 World Cup vs Zimbabwe
- Batting: 175* off 138 balls
- Bowling: 1/32 in 11 overs
Kapil’s iconic unbeaten 175 rescued India from 17/5, setting up a famous win and inspiring their eventual World Cup triumph. His tight bowling completed one of the most legendary all-round efforts ever seen Greatest.
3. Ian Botham – 1981 Ashes Headingley Test
- Batting: 149* in the second innings
- Bowling: 6/95 in the first innings
Botham’s “Ashes miracle” saw England snatch victory from certain defeat Greatest. His counterattacking knock and crucial wickets turned the match and the series around.
4. Imran Khan – 1983 vs India
- Batting: 117 runs in the first innings
- Bowling: 6/98 in the second innings
Imran’s leadership and skill shone as he led from the front with the bat before dismantling India’s batting lineup in a match-winning bowling display Greatest.
5. Andrew Flintoff – 2005 Ashes, Edgbaston Test
- Batting: 68 & 73 in two innings
- Bowling: 4/79 & 4/43
Flintoff’s heroics with both bat and ball helped England secure a thrilling two-run win in one of the closest Tests in Ashes history Greatest.
6. Shakib Al Hasan – 2019 World Cup vs West Indies
- Batting: 124* off 99 balls
- Bowling: 2/54 in 10 overs
Shakib’s classy hundred and disciplined bowling guided Bangladesh to a memorable win, underlining his status as one of the best modern-day all-rounders Greatest.
7. Richard Hadlee – 1985 vs Australia, Brisbane Test
- Batting: 54 runs
- Bowling: 9/52 & 6/71
Hadlee’s incredible bowling haul of 15 wickets, combined with handy runs, destroyed Australia and sealed a famous New Zealand victory Greatest.
8. Ben Stokes – 2019 Headingley Ashes Test
- Batting: 135* in the second innings
- Bowling: 3/56 in the first innings
Stokes pulled off one of the greatest Test innings ever, rescuing England from near-defeat while having already made a crucial bowling impact earlier in the match Greatest.
9. Vinoo Mankad – 1952 vs England, Lord’s Test
- Batting: 72 & 184 in two innings
- Bowling: 5/196 & 5/53
Mankad’s all-round masterclass saw him bat for hours and take 10 wickets in the match — a feat rarely matched in cricket history Greatest.
10. Jacques Kallis – 2002 vs India
- Batting: 132* in the first innings
- Bowling: 4/70 in the second innings
Kallis combined his elegant batting with precise seam bowling to lead South Africa to a dominant win, reminding the world why he’s considered the most complete all-rounder.
Why All-Round Performances Matter
An all-round performance isn’t just about stats — it’s about impact. These matches remind us that a single player can shape an entire game through skill, determination, and versatility.