Exactly 23 years ago, during the third ODI of Australia’s tour of West Indies in 1995, Brian Lara scored his fifth ODI century against Australia at Port of Spain, Trinidad. Batting at his home ground, it was Lara’s first of four international centuries at the venue.

Having lost the last ODI by 26 runs at the same venue, Courtney Walsh, the then West Indian captain, had won the toss and chose to bat. West Indies lost both its openers in Stuart Williams (6) and Phil Simmons (6) within no time.

Lara, who came in to bat at No. 3, shared a 99-run partnership with Carl Hooper (44). It was followed by another handsome partnership, a 135-run stand with Jimmy Adams (51*) as West Indies posted 282-5 in their allotted quota of 50 overs.

In what turned out to be a one-sided encounter, Australia was bundled out for 149-10 in 34.5 overs. Steve Waugh, who came out to bat at No. 5, top-scored with 44 (45). His innings comprised of four fours and a six. With bowling figures of 4.5-0-18-4, Simmons was the pick of the West Indian bowlers.

Having starting cautiously, Lara had successfully up the ante towards the later part of the innings. Lara’s innings was chiefly comprised of drives, cuts and pulls square of the wicket. He was severe against the Australian fast bowlers, especially against their medium-pacer in Steve Waugh. He brought up his century with a single off Steve Waugh through the off-side.

Before being the fourth West Indian wicket to fall, Lara had scored 139 (123) with the help of 15 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 113. Lara was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ award for his majestic century. It was the 14th of his 30 ‘Man of the Match’ awards in ODIs. He is ninth on the list of players with most ‘Man of the Match’ awards in ODIs.

Watch the full video of Lara’s match-winning innings: