List of Players Dismissed on 199 (In Tests/ODIs/T20Is Formats)

Few moments in cricket have caused as much pain to fans as seeing a batsman reach a major milestone. In Test cricket, centuries and double centuries are badges of honour, why? Because they are a reflection of skill, stamina and mental strength on the field for hours or days. But imagine the feeling of being out on 199, just one run away from a double century. This is not a good feeling for both the batsman and the fans.

199 is not just a number; it is a symbol of missed glory, a reminder that cricket can be very cruel even to the best of players. Over the years, many legendary batsmen have been found stuck at this sad number. The most recent addition to the list is Angelo Mathews. He suffered this pain in the first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Chattogram.

Angelo Mathews’ Agony in Chattogram

On the second day of the Chattogram Test, Angelo Mathews was at his best. On a flat batting surface, the former Sri Lankan captain dominated the Bangladesh bowlers with poise and authority. As Mathews neared his second double century, the field was filled with anticipation.

But cricket had other plans. Just a run away from a double century, Mathews was dismissed for 199, caught behind while trying to reach the magic figure. The crowd gasped, his teammates sighed, and Mathews himself wore a wry smile of disbelief. With this dismissal, he became the latest member of cricket’s most painful club, where batsmen have been dismissed for 199 in Test cricket.

 List of Cricketers Dismissed On 199 in Test Cricket

Looking Back: The 199-Club in Test Cricket

Over the decades, only a handful of batsmen have faced this cruel fate. Each story has its own emotional weight and a tale of glory that cannot be made up. Let’s revisit each of these unforgettable innings.

1. Mudassar Nazar: Pakistan vs India, Faisalabad, 1984

The first player in Test history to be dismissed for 199 was Mudassar Nazar, a technically strong and reliable Pakistani batsman. During the 1984 Test against India in Faisalabad, Nazar was in superb form. He batted for hours, crushed the Indian attack, and seemed destined for a double century.

2. Mohammad Azharuddin: India vs Sri Lanka, Kanpur, 1986

One of India’s most stylish batsmen, Mohammad Azharuddin, was the next player to be dismissed for 199. Early in his career, Azhar made waves, scoring three centuries in his first three Tests. During the 1986 Sri Lanka tour of India, he looked set to score his first double century. However, on 199 runs, a misjudged stroke cost him dearly. He became the first Indian to be dismissed by one run short of 200.

3. Bill Ponsford (Australia) and later, Keith Miller And Bill Brown

Before modern times, Australian batsmen such as Bill Ponsford and Bill Brown also got out in the 190s. Although the official records do not record the emotional part of their dismissals. But a notable modern example for Australia was Matthew Elliott, who also faced a similar tragedy.

4. Matthew Elliott: Australia v England, Leeds, 1997

One of Australia’s most famous left-arm bowlers, Matthew Elliott, experienced heartbreak during the 1997 Ashes series. Batting at Leeds, Elliott dominated the England bowlers, pulling them apart with drive and skill. When they reached 199, a loose shot ended their marathon innings. Elliott’s career was cut short by injuries, but that innings remains a memorable moment in his short but illustrious Test career.

5. Sanath Jayasuriya: Sri Lanka v India, Colombo, 1997

Known for his explosive batting, Sanath Jayasuriya was not just an ODI legend; he was also a match-winner in Tests. During the high-scoring Test against India in 1997, Jayasuriya scored a blistering 199 in the second innings. The Colombo crowd was waiting for his double century, but Jayasuriya did not succeed.

You may also like: List of Players Dismissed on 99 (In Tests/ODIs/T20Is Formats)

6. Steve Waugh: Australia vs West Indies, Bridgetown, 1999

One of cricket’s most dominant batsmen, Steve Waugh, was dismissed for 199 against the West Indies in Bridgetown in 1999. Known for his stamina and mental strength, Waugh’s innings was a masterclass in determination. But as fate would have it, he too was briefly denied a double century. Despite the disappointment, Waugh’s innings became a hallmark that would later define his captaincy for Australia.

7. Younis Khan: Pakistan vs India, Lahore, 2006

For more than a decade, Pakistan’s batting star Younis Khan became another victim of the 199-run curse. During the Lahore Test against India in 2006, Younis was at his best, playing with his trademark composure and precision. But a momentary error cost him his wicket for 199. The match ended in a draw, but Younis was praised for the quality and patience of his innings. Even today, fans remember that innings as one of his best, despite the brutal ending.

8. Ian Bell: England vs South Africa, Lord’s, 2008

One of England’s most technically gifted batsmen, Ian Bell, experienced heartbreak at Lord’s, the home of cricket. Facing South Africa in 2008, Bell compiled a brilliant innings full of agile drives and magnificent flicks. But just when he looked set for his maiden double century, he was dismissed for 199. It was a brutal turn of events for a batsman known for his classical style.

9. KL Rahul: India vs England, Chennai, 2016

KL Rahul’s 199 against England in Chennai was a special one. The young and fearless Rahul put his technique and time to the test. As he reached 199, the whole of India expected him to reach the milestone, but that shot was his downfall. This is his highest Test score so far.

10. Dean Elgar: South Africa vs Bangladesh, Potchefstroom, 2017

South Africa’s current Test captain Dean Elgar was dismissed for 199 against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom. His marathon innings helped South Africa post a score of 3/496. South Africa won by 333 runs. Elgar’s innings was a lesson in patience and perseverance. But like many before him, he did not get the satisfaction of a double century.

11. Faf du Plessis: South Africa vs Sri Lanka, Centurion, 2020

Another South African great, Faf du Plessis, was dismissed for 199 against Sri Lanka at Centurion. His innings was a blend of power and precision, emblematic of his reputation as one of the most determined cricketers of modern times. Even though he missed the milestone, the innings helped South Africa dominate the match.

Conclusion

Cricket is often called a game of uncertainties and the story of batsmen dismissed for 199 captures that sentiment perfectly. These near misses remind us that even the greatest players are at the mercy of the game’s good margins. For fans, this innings is a mix of admiration and sympathy for those who came so close, yet so far. And as Angelo Mathews joins this unique club, the story of 199 continues to symbolize cricket’s beautiful heartbreak.

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. How many players have been dismissed on 199 in Test cricket?

As of 2025, 11 players have been dismissed on 199 in Test matches. Each of them is remembered for the emotional circumstances surrounding their dismissal.

Q2. Why is being dismissed on 199 in cricket considered heartbreaking?

Reaching 200 runs in a Test match is a great personal achievement and a testament to endurance, focus and mastery.

Q3. Has any player ever been dismissed on both 99 and 199 in Tests?

Yes. Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews is the only cricketer in Test history to have experienced heartbreak after being dismissed on both 99 and 199.

Q4. Which Indian batsman has been dismissed for 199 in Tests?

Two Indian batsmen, Mohammad Azharuddin and KL Rahul, have been dismissed for 199 in Test matches.

Q5. How do players usually react after being dismissed for 199?

Reactions vary. Some smile in disbelief, while others walk away in apparent frustration. For example, Steve Waugh maintained his composure, while KL Rahul looked visibly frustrated.

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