In cricket, centuries and fifties often steal the spotlight. But hidden behind the headlines are those gritty, match-turning knocks in the 30s and 40s — innings that didn’t light up the scoreboard but decided the game. These underappreciated knocks came under immense pressure, against world-class bowling, or during absolute chaos, yet they laid the foundation for famous victories.
This list celebrates the Top 10 Most Impactful 30s and 40s in Cricket, where numbers didn’t tell the whole story — but context, courage, and clutch timing made all the difference.
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10. MS Dhoni – 36* vs Australia, 2016 (T20I, Sydney)
Under pressure with 17 needed in the last over, Dhoni’s calm 36* guided India to a last-ball win. It wasn’t his biggest knock and Impactful — but it was one of his coolest.
9. Carlos Brathwaite – 34* vs England, 2016 T20 World Cup Final
Everyone remembers the four sixes. Brathwaite’s 34* off just 10 balls didn’t reach 50 but Impactful — but it sealed West Indies’ second T20 World Cup title in legendary fashion.
8. Ben Stokes – 39* vs South Africa, 2022 T20 World Cup
Chasing a tricky total in a high-pressure semi-final, Stokes’ measured 39* anchored England when early wickets had fallen. The knock was Impactful the backbone of the chase.
7. Michael Bevan – 36* vs West Indies, 1996 (ODI, Sydney)
With Australia 6 down chasing 173, Bevan held his nerve. His unbeaten 36 finished with a 4 on the final ball, securing an unforgettable win and the “finisher” tag.
6. Rinku Singh – 40* vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2023
Rinku’s 5 sixes in 5 balls stunned the cricket world. His 40* off 15 came in a hopeless situation — and turned into the most dramatic finish in IPL history.
5. Rahul Dravid – 41 vs Pakistan, 2004 (ODI, Karachi)
In a high-pressure chase in front of a wild Pakistani crowd, Dravid’s gritty 41 kept India on track. It wasn’t flashy, but it was flawless and unshakable.
4. Ravindra Jadeja – 39* vs New Zealand, 2020 (ODI)
Jadeja walked in when the top order collapsed. His brisk 39* nearly pulled off a miracle and reminded everyone of his cool head and match-winning mindset
3. Shahid Afridi – 38* vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup 2014 Final
Boom Boom went big when it mattered most. His 38* off just 20 balls, including 2 sixes in the final over, snatched the cup for Pakistan out of nowhere.
2. Marlon Samuels – 39* vs England, 2012 T20 World Cup
Samuels absorbed pressure, rebuilt the innings, and smashed crucial runs to help West Indies post a defendable total — and eventually win the trophy.
1. Yuvraj Singh – 38* vs Australia, 2007 T20 World Cup Semi-Final
After his 6-sixes heroics earlier, Yuvraj came in during a tight semifinal and smashed a game-defining 38 off just 20 balls, helping India reach the final.
Not every match-winner needs a century. These impactful 30s and 40s in cricket proved that it’s not how much you score, but when and how you score it that defines a great innings. These knocks were filled with guts, grit, and game awareness — often under intense pressure.
FAQ – Impactful 30s and 40s in Match Wins !
Q1: Why are 30s and 40s considered impactful in cricket?
Because they often come under high-pressure situations when a match is on the line. Even without reaching 50, these knocks shift momentum, build partnerships, or finish games, making them extremely valuable.
Q2: Do these short scores get enough recognition?
Not always. Cricket fans and media usually celebrate centuries or fifties. But true cricket lovers know that clutch 30s and 40s are often the backbone of historic wins.
Q3: Can a 30-run innings really change a match?
Absolutely. Many matches have been won (or lost) because of a timely 30 or 40 — especially when wickets are falling or the required run rate is rising.