5 instances when an ODI innings finished in less than 10 overs

It is not often that you see a cricket match finish in a blink of an eye. However, there are a few instances when one of the sides proved to be too good for the opposition.

Sri Lanka is one such team who have inflicted heavy defeats on a few of the oppositions and embarrassed them on the field.

In this article, we take a look at five instances when an ODI innings finished in less than ten overs.

#5 Sri Lanka vs Ireland, Super 8 stage, World Cup, 2007

The Ireland cricket team had a memorable outing in the 2007 ICC World Cup. They had defeated Pakistan to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time ever and followed that up with an impressive victory over Bangladesh in the first match of the Super 8 stage.

However, as elated as they were, they were brought down to earth by the eventual runners-up Sri Lanka in their second Super 8 stage encounter at the St George's cricket stadium in West Indies.

After winning the toss and electing to field first, the star-studded Sri Lankan bowling line-up ripped through the inexperienced Irish line-up and dismissed them for a paltry score of 77. Muttiah Muralitharan and Farveez Maharoof picked up four wickets each.

In response, Sri Lanka lost Upul Tharanga for nought. However, Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene ensured no further hiccups and led Sri Lanka to victory in exactly ten overs.

Result: Sri Lanka def. Ireland by 9 wickets

Australia vs USA, ICC Champions Trophy, 2004

The United States of America were playing their first ever cricket tournament in the ICC Champions Trophy back in 2004. They qualified for the tournament by winning the ICC Six Nations tournament.

However, they had a forgetful outing in the Champions Trophy losing both their matches, to New Zealand and Australia.

Their second loss to Australia was quite scarring as they were dismissed for 65. Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie picked up four wickets each while Brett Lee picked up one.

The Kangaroos wasted no time, chasing down the target in 7.5 overs by losing just one wicket.

Result: Australia def. USA by 9 wickets

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI, 2004

The Sri Lankan cricket team toured Zimbabwe in 2004 which turned out to be a horrific tour for the home side.

The visitors did not lose a single game throughout the series winning the five ODIs and the two Tests in emphatic fashion.

The 3rd ODI held in Harare was egregious for the Zimbabwe side as they were bowled out for 35, which till date, is the lowest ODI total ever. Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, and Dilhara Fernanda ran riot and ripped through the hapless opposition line-up.

Sri Lanka lost Russell Arnold early in their chase but it proved to be no problem for them as they chased down the total in 9.2 overs.

Result: Sri Lanka def. Zimbabwe by 9 wickets.

Canada vs Sri Lanka, ICC World Cup, 2003

Just one year after achieving the record of bowling Zimbabwe out for the lowest ODI total ever, it was Canada who held the record.

In the group stage match of 2003 World Cup being held in South Africa, Canada were bowled out for 36.Once again, it was Sri Lanka who delivered the hammering with a similar line-up ripping through the opposition batting.

Chaminda Vaas and Prabath Nissanka picked up seven wickets amongst themselves to send the Canada batsmen packing.

Sri Lanka wasted no time in their chase winning the match in just 4.4 overs after losing the lone wicket of Sanath Jayasuriya.

Result: Sri Lanka def. Canada by 9 wickets

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, Triangular Series, 2001

Ever since the turn of the decade, Sri Lanka have inflicted emphatic defeats on various opponents who in turn have held the record for the lowest ODI total ever.

Three years before Zimbabwe were bowled out for 35, they suffered a similar defeat in the first match of the triangular series to the Island Nation.

Chaminda Vaas ran through the opposition picking up eight wickets which turned out to be his best ever bowling figure in his career.

In response, Sri Lanka chased down the total in 4.2 overs, which till-date, is the quickest run chase ever in ODIs.

Result: Sri Lanka def. Zimbabwe by 9 wickets.