The Man of the one-match series
Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Colombo, 2017
After Sri Lanka's tense chase against Zimbabwe in a one-off Test, Asela Gunaratne, who had scored a crucial 80 not out, was named Man of the Match. But then it was announced that there would be a Man of the Series as well - Rangana Herath picked up the award for his 11 wickets. How could someone who was not Man of the Match be Man of the Series in a one-match series? Perhaps Herath had impressed the adjudicators with his pre-Test net session.
A bike for 48 balls
Sri Lanka v India, Pallekele, 2012
At least Herath played five days of cricket for his Man-of-the-Series award. Back in 2012, Virat Kohli got one for a one-off Twenty20. He batted 48 balls and scored 68. Irfan Pathan helped India defend their 155 and was named Man of the Match. But Kohli was presented with a motorbike for his efforts.
Rewarding the miser
Zimbabwe v West Indies, Harare, 2001
When West Indies beat Zimbabwe by 27 runs in a 2001 ODI, the Man-of-the-Match award was given to Cameron Cuffy, who had scored 0 runs and taken 0 wickets in the match. He had, however, bowled his 10 overs for just 20 runs, and the adjudicators felt that was the key to West Indies' win.
(Grounds)man of the match
South Africa v New Zealand, Johannesburg, 2000
Persistent rain meant that only 190.5 overs of play were possible during the third Test of New Zealand's tour of South Africa in 2000. The game ended in a tame draw, with Shaun Pollock, South Africa's captain, attracting criticism for not declaring and trying to make a match of it. The groundsman, Chris Scott, and his staff were kept busy through the game, and they were rewarded with the Man-of-the-Match award.
Did not bat, did not bowl, did win Man of the Match
Pakistan v West Indies, Sharjah, 1986
Courtney Walsh took four wickets as West Indies bowled Pakistan out for 143 in Sharjah, but the Man-of-the-Match adjudicators decided the biggest contribution had come from Gus Logie in the field. He took three catches and effected two run-outs, including that of the dangerous Javed Miandad. West Indies' top three knocked the runs off, so Logie put his feet up till he collected his award.