By Ankit Kumar | Updated: February 2, 2025 4:18 AM IST
Centuries are a hallmark of consistency and skill in a player's career. Scoring a century is a tangible achievement, showcasing a player's ability to stay at the crease, build an innings, and dominate over a prolonged period.
Being not out on 99 can be one of the most frustrating experiences for any batsman. Though a 99* is still a solid contribution, the feeling of being just one run away from a century can feel deeply unsatisfying.
In November 2002, Ramnaresh Sarwan was left stranded on 99* against India in an ODI. Despite his solid performance, he was unable to reach the three-figure mark, a rare but often agonizing situation for a batsman, especially when on the verge of a century.
Mohammad Yousuf also found himself on the cusp of a century, ending his innings on 99* against India in November 2007. This score, though impressive, is remembered for the frustration of just missing out on the landmark.
Michael Clarke’s 99* against England in June 2010 was another case where a top-order batsman was left just one run shy of reaching a century. The innings highlighted Clarke's technical skill, but the "not out on 99" moment became a memorable one in the series.
In August 2010, Virender Sehwag, known for his aggressive batting, was left stranded on 99* against Sri Lanka. Despite his usual big-hitting style, he fell just short of a century in a high-pressure match, adding to the list of famous batsmen who have experienced this unique frustration.
In March 2018, Jason Holder, the West Indian captain, played an impressive knock, but he too was left unbeaten on 99* against Papua New Guinea. This rare occurrence added to the list of all-rounders who have been close to a century but were stopped at 99*.
In January 2020, Evin Lewis was another player who fell one run short of a century, remaining not out on 99* in his match against Ireland. Lewis, known for his aggressive stroke play, came close to a remarkable innings but fell just short of reaching the three-figure mark.