Adam Gilchrist – 149 v Pakistan (1999):
This perhaps is one of the greatest knocks played to set up team victory in the fourth innings. At the Bellerive Oval in Hobart, Australia was staring down the barrel after a couple of stunning performances from the Pakistanis. Saqlain Mushtaq turned the match in favour of the visitors with a six-wicket haul in the first innings, triggering a collapse that saw the hosts tumble to 246 all out from 206/2 in response to Pakistan’s 222. Inzamam Ul Haq solidified Pakistan’s chances of winning with a superb 118 as Australia were set a target of 369 runs.
Australia, unfortunately, were crumbling again and stood at 126/5 with the danger of losing match looming over. However, this turned out to be the perfect setting for Adam Gilchrist and set the stage on fire. With a cautious Justin Langer at one end, Gilly had the liberty to attack. The wicket keeper then scripted a highly entertaining knock of 149 off just 163 balls and hit the winning runs for his team in a dramatic finish. This arguably remains Gilchrist greatest Test knock of his career.