Key Takeaways
Mark Boucher's Legacy: Over 15 years (1997–2012), Boucher amassed 10,469 international runs and became one of cricket's greatest keeper-batters.
Remarkable Stats: 147 Tests (5,515 runs, avg 30.3), 295 ODIs (4,686 runs, avg 28.57), and 1 ODI hundred.
Best Innings Highlight: Known for his resilience, Boucher’s top five innings showcase his match-winning ability, including a blistering 147* against Zimbabwe in 2006.
Mark Boucher, a legendary South African wicketkeeper-batter, redefined the role with over 10,000 international runs and match-defining performances. This article highlights five of his finest innings from a stellar career. We will talk about his records below.
Mark Boucher played International cricket from 1997-2012 and in these 15 years he has left an indelible mark on the game. He has played 147 Test Matches for South Africa which is staggering and he has scored 5515 runs at an average of 30.30 with 5 test hundreds to his name. And in the ODI format he has played 295 ODIs for South Africa and he has made 4686 runs at an average of 28.57 with 1 ODI Hundred. So, let’s look at his Top 5 Best Innings.
What are Mark Boucher’s best innings?
Mark Boucher’s best innings include his maiden Test hundred (100 vs West Indies, 1999), his career-best ODI knock (147* vs Zimbabwe, 2006), and three other remarkable innings against Zimbabwe, England, and West Indies.
Top 5 best innings of Mark Boucher
100 vs West Indies (1999)
In just his second year in Tests, Boucher’s maiden hundred helped South Africa post a competitive total. Batting at number 8, he scored 100 off 183 balls with 16 fours, anchoring the innings and leading South Africa to victory.
125 vs Zimbabwe (1999)
In 1999, Mark Boucher showcased his batting prowess with a match-winning knock of 125 against the strongest Zimbabwe team ever. Batting at number 6 in the second innings, he proved worthy of the promotion. Facing 236 balls, Boucher struck 28 fours, contributing 72 runs in boundaries, and maintained a strike rate of 52.97. His exceptional innings played a pivotal role in South Africa's dominant victory by an innings and 219 runs.
108 vs England (1999)
In 1999, Mark Boucher continued his impressive form with a brilliant 108 against England. Batting at number 6 in South Africa's second innings, he faced 220 balls, hitting 14 fours and 1 six, contributing 62 runs in boundaries. With a strike rate of 49.09, Boucher’s innings was crucial in helping South Africa secure a draw in the match.
122* vs West Indies (2004)
Mark Boucher’s innings in this match showcased a more aggressive side of his game. Coming in at number 8, he faced 173 balls, hitting 20 fours and scoring 80 runs in boundaries. With a strike rate of 70.52, his performance helped South Africa to a draw in the match, proving that Boucher still had plenty of firepower left in his batting.
147* vs Zimbabwe (2006)
Mark Boucher's innings against Zimbabwe in 2006 was undoubtedly one of his finest in international cricket. Batting at number 4, he took just 68 balls to score a blistering 92 runs, hitting 8 fours and 10 sixes. His strike rate of 216.18 was phenomenal, and this explosive knock played a key role in South Africa's 171-run victory.
Mark Boucher Stats
Format | Test Cricket | ODI Cricket | T20I |
Matches | 147 | 295 | 25 |
Innings | 206 | 221 | 21 |
Runs | 5,515 | 4,686 | 268 |
Highest Score | 125 | 147* | 36* |
Average | 30.3 | 28.6 | 17.9 |
Strike Rate | 50.1 | 84.8 | 97.5 |
100s | 5 | 1 | 0 |
50s | 35 | 26 | 0 |
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