On a warm Tuesday at Mumbai’s famous Wankhede Stadium, Glenn Maxwell, known for his powerful hitting, performed a cricketing miracle in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Afghanistan.
At one point, Australia was in a tough spot with 7 wickets down for only 91 runs on the board. The win predictor at that moment showed less than a 1% chance of Australia winning the game. However, Maxwell stood up against the odds and pulled the best ODI innings in World Cup history.
Despite struggling with cramps and back pain, Maxwell played an incredible inning. He scored a massive 201 runs from just 128 balls, hitting 21 boundaries and ten sixes. This wasn’t just about hitting the ball hard; it showed his incredible fighting spirit and ability to turn the game around when it seemed lost.
Even those betting on the game by playing online had counted Australia out, expecting Afghanistan to win easily. But Maxwell’s outstanding performance changed everything, turning a near-certain loss into a stunning victory.
Shattering Records in a Chase
Maxwell’s double century, a masterful blend of aggression and precision, now stands as the highest score in ODI cricket in a chase. The remarkable achievement surpassed Fakhar Zaman’s 193 against South Africa in Johannesburg in 2021.
Rewriting the No.6 Playbook
Historically, the No.6 position in ODIs has been associated with finishers rather than record-setters. However, Maxwell shattered this stereotype by registering the highest individual score for a batter at No.6 in ODIs.
The record was previously held by Kapil Dev, who scored 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup.
An Australian ODI Milestone
Maxwell’s 201* is now the highest score in ODIs for an Australian batter, eclipsing Shane Watson’s 185* against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2011. This feat is a significant milestone in Australian cricket, highlighting Maxwell’s place among the game’s greats.
A Non-Opener’s Dream
In ODI cricket, openers often dominate the high-scoring charts. However, Maxwell’s innings is now the highest score in ODI cricket for a non-opener, surpassing Zimbabwean Charles Coventry’s 194* against Bangladesh in 2009.
Additionally, he broke the record for the highest score from a non-opener in a World Cup, a record previously held by Viv Richards (181 vs Pakistan, 1987).
A Partnership for the Ages
Maxwell’s partnership with Pat Cummins (12* off 68) for the 8th wicket amassed 202* runs, setting a new benchmark for the highest partnership for not only the 8th wicket but also for the 7th wicket or below in ODIs.
The partnership blended Maxwell’s aggression and Cummins’ strong defense against quality Afghanistan spinners.
Among the World Cup Greats
In the annals of World Cup history, Maxwell’s 201* is etched as the third-highest individual score, trailing only behind Martin Guptill’s 237* (2015) and Chris Gayle’s 215 (2015). This achievement places Maxwell among the elite performers in World Cup history.
Final Thoughts
Glenn Maxwell’s innings against Afghanistan was not just about the plethora of records he broke or set; it demonstrated his evolution as a cricketer. From being seen as a mercurial talent to becoming a record-setting batsman, Maxwell’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and sheer willpower.
His masterclass at the Wankhede Stadium will be remembered as one of the greatest innings in the history of ODI cricket, a true testament to his skill, determination, and the spirit of the game.
