In One Day Internationals (ODIs), centuries are usually dominated by top-order batters who have more overs to build their innings. But scoring a hundred from No.5 or lower requires grit, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure—often while accelerating in the death overs or rescuing a struggling team.
Over the past decade (2014–2024), a select group of players have consistently risen to the occasion from the middle and lower-middle order, converting tough situations into unforgettable Most ODI Hundreds.
Here’s a look at the top 5 players (plus one standout) with the most ODI centuries from No.5 or below in the last ten years, including a rising Sri Lankan star.
Jos Buttler (England)
Centuries from No.5 or below (2014–2024): 8
Highest Score: 162* vs Netherlands
Arguably the most explosive finisher in modern-day cricket, Jos Buttler has made batting at No.5 or No.6 a specialist role. His ability to go from calm anchor to power-hitter in just a few overs is what separates him from others. Buttler’s centuries often come under pressure, and he holds the record for the fastest ODI hundred for England (off just 46 balls).
He’s not just a match-winner but also a tone-setter for England’s aggressive white-ball philosophy. His knock of 162* against the Netherlands in 2022 was pure carnage, featuring 14 sixes and a strike rate of over 200.
Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Centuries from No.5 or below (2014–2024): 4
Highest Score: 201* vs Afghanistan
Glenn Maxwell has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous middle-order players in world cricket. His iconic 201* against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, coming in at No.6 with Australia at 91/7, is widely considered one of the greatest ODI innings of all time.
Maxwell’s four centuries from No.5 or lower have all come under unique pressure, either rebuilding an innings or finishing it with fireworks. His ability to bat with the tail and improvise at will has made him a game-changer.
MS Dhoni (India)
Centuries from No.5 or below (2014–2019): 3
Highest Score: 134 vs England
Though MS Dhoni retired in 2020, his impact on India’s ODI middle order is timeless. Even in his final years, Dhoni produced clutch performances. His 134 against England in Cuttack in 2017, where he batted at No.5, is a classic example—an innings that started with consolidation and ended with trademark fireworks.
Dhoni’s understanding of match situations, ability to absorb pressure, and finishing prowess laid the blueprint for the modern ODI finisher.
David Miller (South Africa)
Centuries from No.5 or below (2014–2024): 3
Highest Score: 139* vs Pakistan
David Miller has been South Africa’s most reliable finisher over the last decade. Often coming in at No.5 or No.6, he has played several crucial innings, anchoring the middle overs and finishing with clean hitting. His unbeaten 139* against Pakistan is a shining example—anchoring the innings through tough phases and dominating at the death.
Miller’s consistency and cool demeanor under pressure have made him an irreplaceable asset in South Africa’s white-ball setup.
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
Centuries from No.5 or below (2014–2024): 3
Highest Score: 108* vs Zimbabwe
Charith Asalanka has quietly emerged as a dependable middle-order rock for Sri Lanka. In a team that has seen a lot of transition, Asalanka has brought stability and confidence to the No.5 slot. He has scored three ODI centuries from No.5 or lower in the past few years, each coming at critical moments.
His match-winning unbeaten 108* against Zimbabwe in 2024 showcased his calmness under pressure and ability to finish games. Asalanka is quickly developing into one of the most reliable batters in Asia’s middle-order scene.
Nicholas Pooran (West Indies)
Centuries from No.5 or below (2014–2024): 3
Highest Score: 118 vs Sri Lanka
Known for his flair and fearless strokeplay, Nicholas Pooran has brought excitement and effectiveness to West Indies’ middle order. Despite West Indies’ inconsistency, Pooran has managed to stand out. His centuries, including a valiant 118 against Sri Lanka, have often come when the top order has failed.
Pooran’s quick hands, big-hitting ability, and improved temperament are signs of a future leader in the format.
Why These Performances Stand Out
Scoring a hundred from No.5 or below is significantly harder than doing so from the top four:
- Fewer overs to face
- High-pressure scenarios
- Often need to bat with tailenders
- Requires strike rotation + power hitting
Players like Buttler and Maxwell have excelled in these conditions, while emerging names like Asalanka are now making their presence felt.
Final Thoughts
While top-order batters often get the spotlight, it’s the performances from No.5 and below that truly show character, adaptability, and match-awareness. Over the last decade, these players have not only delivered Most ODI Hundreds wins but also redefined how we view the middle and lower-middle order in tests.
With more teams investing in deep batting line-ups and flexible roles, expect even more heroes to rise from these positions in the years ahead.
