Take a journey back in time to the golden pages of cricket history as we relive a forgotten masterpiece — Kim Hughes’ elegant 67-run innings against a fierce Pakistani bowling attack at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, during the Benson & Hedges World Series Cup, played on November 22, 1981.
In a game where wickets kept falling and pressure loomed large, Kim Hughes stood like a lone artist amidst a collapsing gallery. Facing the fire and fury of Imran Khan and Sikander Bakht, Hughes compiled a composed 67 off 83 balls in 103 minutes, featuring 4 classic boundaries — each stroke a brushstroke on the canvas of cricketing grace.
Though Australia posted 209/9, largely due to his anchoring knock, they eventually fell short as Pakistan chased down the target with 4 wickets in hand. But the beauty of Hughes' innings was not in the result, but in the resilience, timing, and poise he displayed in the middle. This was Hughes at his finest — elegant, unbothered by chaos, and painting runs with the flair only he could summon.
Kim Hughes played 97 ODIs, scoring 1,961 runs at an average of 30.28, with 18 fifties to his name. Though he never reached a century in the format, his style and stroke-play left an imprint on every innings he touched. A man of rare flair in a rugged era, Hughes remains one of Australia's most graceful batsmen — often misunderstood, but never forgotten.
🎥 Watch this vintage gem of an innings and rediscover the artistry of a man who brought elegance to the crease — even in adversity. 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments: Did Kim Hughes deserve more recognition for his graceful batting style?
