The Big Bash League (BBL), one of the most thrilling T20 leagues in the world, has seen countless moments of excitement, including many incredible batting feats. From explosive innings to match-winning knocks, BBL has given fans some of the most entertaining cricket. However, despite the presence of some of the world’s best batters, there have been a few occasions where players have been just one run short of reaching the coveted century mark.
While scoring 100 runs in a T20 match is an extraordinary achievement, these players found themselves stuck on 99, leaving them with bittersweet memories. In this blog, we explore the three batters who scored 99 runs in a BBL inning, highlighting their remarkable performances and the games in which they came so close to a century.
1. Shaun Marsh (Melbourne Renegades) – 99 (vs Perth Scorchers, 22 Dec 2011)*
The very first player in Big Bash League history to score 99* was none other than Shaun Marsh, one of Australia’s most stylish and talented batsmen. Marsh was playing for the Melbourne Renegades in the inaugural season of BBL 2011 when he achieved this near-century against the Perth Scorchers.
Marsh faced 52 balls, striking a brilliant 9 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his aggressive stroke play and ability to dominate the bowlers. His knock came in a high-pressure situation, helping the Renegades to set a competitive target. Despite the quality of the innings, Marsh ended up just one short of a century, leaving fans and his teammates yearning for that one final run.
Match details:
- Score: 99* (not out)
- Balls: 52
- Fours/Sixes: 9/5
- Against: Perth Scorchers
- Venue: Melbourne
- Date: 22nd December 2011
Marsh’s knock remains a defining moment in BBL history, and it’s one of the most memorable near-centuries in the tournament’s early years.
2. Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars) – 99 (vs Brisbane Heat, 20 Dec 2017)
Marcus Stoinis, the powerful all-rounder for the Melbourne Stars, is another name that fans remember for falling agonizingly short of a century in the Big Bash League. Stoinis was in the middle of a remarkable run of form during the 2017-18 BBL season when he came close to achieving a milestone in a match against Brisbane Heat.
Stoinis played a superb innings, scoring 99 runs off 51 balls, with an incredible strike rate of over 190. His knock included 6 fours and 6 sixes, which is a testament to his hitting power and composure. As the game reached its final overs, it was clear that Stoinis was on the verge of a century, but he fell just one run short, marking yet another near-miss in the tournament’s history.
Match details:
- Score: 99
- Balls: 51
- Fours/Sixes: 6/6
- Against: Brisbane Heat
- Venue: Brisbane
- Date: 20th December 2017
Stoinis’ 99 is remembered not only for its sheer power but also for the way he anchored the innings and dominated the bowlers, making this near-century one of the most exciting moments in BBL 2017.
3. Josh Philippe (Sydney Sixers) – 99 (vs Melbourne Stars, 15 Dec 2021)*
Josh Philippe, one of the emerging stars of Australian cricket, achieved his near-century for the Sydney Sixers during the BBL 2021 season in a thrilling encounter against the Melbourne Stars. Philippe was in top form, hitting 99* off 61 balls, and his performance was key in ensuring the Sixers set a competitive total.
Philippe’s innings included an impressive 11 fours and 2 sixes, which highlighted his skill at finding gaps and playing calculated strokes to build a commanding total. Though he fell just short of a century, his 99* was a standout performance and helped his team secure an important victory in the tournament.
Match details:
- Score: 99* (not out)
- Balls: 61
- Fours/Sixes: 11/2
- Against: Melbourne Stars
- Venue: Melbourne
- Date: 15th December 2021
Philippe’s 99* was not only a showcase of his growing batting skills but also a testament to his temperament in pressure situations, and it remains one of the best unbeaten knocks in BBL history.
Why 99 is So Painful
Scoring 99 in any format of cricket is a bittersweet achievement. While the player still manages to score a significant total, the missing one run always leaves a sense of unfinished business. In the T20 format, where every run counts, a batsman falling just short of a century often means they played an exceptional knock under pressure. It also speaks volumes about their concentration and ability to clear the ropes and find boundaries consistently.
For these players, reaching 99 in BBL was a combination of skill, timing, and power. However, they will all agree that it’s those last few runs that remain the most elusive. While their near-century knocks have earned them plenty of praise, the desire to reach 100 is a feeling that will never be fully satisfied unless they achieve it.
Conclusion
The BBL has seen some of the best batsmen in the world, and the players who scored 99 runs in their innings are no exception. Shaun Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Philippe have all delivered remarkable performances, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the T20 format. Though these innings fell one run short of the century mark, they still rank among the best in the league’s history.
These near-centuries not only highlight the batsmen’s ability to dominate the game but also provide a source of motivation for future players who will aim to achieve that elusive BBL century. Whether it’s the thrill of hitting boundaries, the challenge of taking on quality bowlers, or the pressure of setting or chasing high targets, these moments of near perfection continue to excite cricket fans all over the world.
As the BBL continues to grow in stature, who knows how many more players will join the ranks of those who’ve fallen just short of a century? One thing is for sure: the search for that perfect 100 will always be a thrilling aspect of this fast-paced and action-packed league.
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