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They say that one day cricket is also losing its appeal due to the popularity of T20 cricket. At times, people claim that test cricket is dull, but when you witness some captivating moments in test series and thrilling events in ODIs, everyone is forced to acknowledge that the longer the format, the tougher the challenge for players and the more intriguing the battle on the field.

Old school is still old school, and the fundamentals stay consistent across all aspects of life. Only fans from the late ’80s, as well as those from the ’90s and 2000s, can truly appreciate the thrill and excitement of cricket in both Test and ODI formats.

One renowned annual tri-series tournament used to be held in Australia, previously known as Benson and Hedges, later as Carlton and United, then simply as the Carlton Series, and for most of the late 2000s as the VB Series, was regarded as being on par with winning a prestigious trophy due to the challenges that visiting teams faced against the formidable Australian team.

All the cricket superstars of the 90s, including Tendulkar and Lara, have demonstrated their skills on Australian soil over time. One performance that stands out is Brian Lara’s remarkable innings against Pakistan in Adelaide during the 2005 VB Series, where he single-handedly shifted the match in favor of his team, putting them in contention for the best-of-three finals.

Brian Lara played an incredible innings of 156 and it’s worth noting that it was his final ODI century. This performance truly deserves to be remembered for its class and significance at that moment in time.

Playing with injured wrist

The opening match of the VB Series 2005 took place at the MCG, featuring West Indies and Australia. During this match, Brian Lara sustained an injury; his wrist became sore after being struck by a delivery from Gillespie. Following that incident, he experienced numbness in his wrist, which affected his ability to time the ball effectively. Aside from a couple of brief innings against Pakistan and Australia, he did not make any significant contributions. As he was a crucial part of the batting lineup, the West Indies struggled each time without him performing well.

Do Or Die Match against Pakistan

At home, Australia seldom permits anyone to overpower them, and with two unpredictable teams, West Indies and Pakistan, competing against them, it was always likely that Australia would reach the final. With Pakistan on the rise compared to the West Indies, who had yet to secure a victory, match 7 of the tournament became a crucial game for Brian Lara’s team. Aware of its significance, skipper Lara maintained a positive demeanor despite his sore wrist and inconsistent form. He focused on staying at the crease rather than attempting risky shots to escape his difficulties, setting an example for his teammates.

Skipper Lara calm down the early nerves

The day at Adelaide Oval was marked by overcast conditions, and the Windies faced a difficult beginning with Gayle dismissed cheaply. Ramnaresh Sarwan had to retire hurt, and Ricardo Powell managed only 23 runs, making the situation seem dire for the Windies as another collapse appeared imminent. However, skipper Lara had different plans; he settled in well at the crease after a cautious start with solid support from Chanderpaul. Together, they weathered the storm and laid a strong foundation for a substantial score for West Indies.

An Innings of three parts something to savour

Brian Lara scored his first 50 runs off 81 balls, his second in 36 balls, and his third in only 19 deliveries over a span of 17 minutes, as he dominated the struggling Pakistan bowling attack. Alongside left-hander Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the duo formed the foundation that enabled the Windies to rise to the occasion during a critical moment, forging a partnership that amassed 187 runs on a sluggish batting surface.

Superb Knock By Prince in his 250th ODI match

Brian Lara celebrated his 250th one-day international with a spectacular century, scoring an explosive 106 runs off just 57 balls, which kept West Indies’ hopes of reaching the finals alive. Lara was formidable as he propelled West Indies to a total of 339, and his bowlers performed well early in the match, securing their first victory of the VB Series by defeating Pakistan by 58 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

One handed Magical Stroke play by the genius 

Despite battling a painful wrist that limited him to one-handed follow-throughs for singles and sixes, Lara delivered a stunning performance against Pakistan, scoring an impressive 156—the highest score at the ground in an ODI. By the 40th over, Lara was radiant, and his innings stood out as the series’ highlight. He began with a steady fifty off 81 balls before transforming into a powerhouse. He smashed an incredible five sixes—four of which were on the off side—and hit 12 fours, leaving Pakistan virtually resigned by the conclusion of the first innings.

Lara’s innings was the difference between the two sides

The Trinidadian Prince’s impressive 156 helped the Windies reach a total of 339 for four, presenting a formidable challenge for the Pakistani batsmen. Despite solid starts from several all-rounders, including skipper Inzamam and the stylish Youhana, none were able to convert their innings into a significant score like Lara did. Consequently, Pakistan finished their innings at 281 for 9, losing the match by 58 runs and keeping the Windies’ hopes alive in the best-of-three finals.

Cricket is both a team sport and an individual one, and throughout the years, many players have demonstrated that a single day of exceptional performance can significantly impact their team’s success. On January 28, 2005, at the Adelaide Oval, Brian Lara delivered a stunning innings that secured victory for his team.

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