Top 5 highest individual scores at MCA Stadium Pune in test cricket

Three batsmen have recorded a century in Pune in test cricket.

The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune has become one of the premier stadiums in India over the past decade.

Established in the year 2012, the venue hosted its first-ever test match in February 2017 when India faced Australia. The stadium is located on the outskirts of Pune and is known to offer one of the best field views for the spectators.

Test match batting in India is one of the most challenging assignments for any batsman. Indian pitches are known for offering sharp turn and grip, bringing the spinners into play from day 1 of the match.

The story of MCA stadium, Pune, has been no different with runs being hard to come by, especially as the game progresses. Despite the challenge this venue offers, few players have proven their grit to play some remarkable innings, steering their team to a comfortable position.

On that note let’s look at the top five highest individual scores recorded at this venue in test cricket.

Here is the list of the top five highest individual scores at MCA Stadium in Pune in test cricket.

5. Devon Conway – 76 vs India, 2024

In the third test match played at the venue between India and New Zealand in 2024, the visitors’ opener Devon Conway scored 76 against the hosts, which is now the fifth-highest individual score at the MCA Stadium, Pune.

4. Ravindra Jadeja – 91 vs South Africa, 2019

India’s spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s knock of 91 runs came in the first innings of the second test of the India vs South Africa test series in 2019. Coming in when India were already in a comfortable position, Jadeja accelerated the innings with his blistering knock

Jadeja’s knock of 91 runs consisted of eight fours and two towering sixes. Although he missed his century narrowly, Jadeja’s knock helped India amass a massive total of 601 in the first innings.

3. Mayank Agarwal – 108 vs South Africa, 2019

Mayank Agarwal’s excellent hundred vs South Africa in 2019 was a largely flawless innings. Agarwal’s century was an example of patience and determination. Mayank survived through Kagiso Rabada’s brilliant opening spell and capitalized later against the old ball and change-up bowlers.

Mayank’s innings of 108 consisted of 16 fours and two sixes. His aggressive approach against spin never allowed Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy to settle. Agarwal added 178 runs with Virat Kohli for the third wicket, powering India to a comfortable position.

2. Steve Smith – 109 vs India, 2017

Considered among one of the best batting performances by a foreign batsman on Indian soil, Steve Smith’s hundred in the first test of the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy was a masterclass in batting in spin-friendly conditions.

Batting on a rank turner which challenged every other batter, Smith was nimble on his feet to use the depth of the crease to full effect, countering the Indian spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Jayant Yadav.

After gaining a 155-run lead in the first innings, Smith’s brilliance helped Australia extend their lead to 440 runs to which India replied with only 107 runs and lost the game by 333 runs.

1. Virat Kohli – 254* vs South Africa, 2019

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019 stands as the highest individual score at the MCA Stadium in Pune in test cricket. Winning the toss and batting first, Indian batsmen tormented the Proteas through their excellent stroke play.

Kohli was the star of the Indian batting show, registering the seventh double-century of his test career. His innings came at an impressive pace as he maintained a strike rate of over 75.

Kohli’s innings helped India reach the score of 601 in their first innings. The Proteas were no match to the Asian giants, bundling out for the score of 275 and 189 in their first and second innings respectively, handing India the win by an innings and 137 runs.

(All stats updated till 23rd October, 2024)

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.