Is Glenn Maxwell’s 201* the most famous ODI knock ever?

Glenn Maxwell wrote a story on Tuesday full of tenacity, boldness, and unwavering cricketing skill to lead Australia to an incredible victory over Afghanistan by three wickets. It should come as no surprise that many current and former cricket players are already referring to the Australian all-rounder’s 201* innings as the greatest after he crushed a 292-run chase.

Although Australia has won five World Cup titles, Maxwell’s knock ensured their victory over Afghanistan was one of the sweetest and most memorable in the tournament’s history. For once, this may not be an exaggeration.

The World Cup, an occasion that shapes careers and legacies, provides the strongest argument for Glenn Maxwell’s incredible innings regarded as the “greatest.” When Glenn Maxwell got to the crease, Australia, who were, theoretically, overwhelmingly favorites against Afghanistan, were reeling at 49/4.

Since Azmatullah Omarzai was on a hat-trick at the time, his opening delivery of the innings sparked a review, albeit one that was more emotional than analytical. Afghanistan requested a review after Glenn Maxwell discovered a thick outside edge that gave one bounce to the keeper.

However, Australia’s position worsened even more as they collapsed to 91-7. But Maxwell had set the stage, and though he dropped twice on 24 and 33, he still found a way to take the initiative. There were many obstacles in his path as he approached the remarkable double century, both internal and external.

Maxwell’s innings were interspersed with drops, reviews, cramps, and physical agony. The longer the inning got, the less he could run. He was having trouble moving his feet to play a shot by the time the requirement reduced to 75 runs.

The Wankhede Stadium crowd gave him a standing ovation for each shot, which was a testament to his bravery. And instead of letting his physical discomfort stop him, it served as a stage for his amazing performance, as Maxwell’s remarkable hand-eye coordination and almost flawless ball-striking skills compensated for his other shortcomings.

With his career-best 201*, he became the first player to score a double century while chasing in ODI history. The fact that he became the first batter to reach this incredible milestone without opening up the ball adds even more distinction to his accomplishment.

Greatest of all time?

India was playing Zimbabwe in the World Cup semi-final in 1983. India had a tremendous run in the tournament, but at just seventeen, they had lost half of their team, leaving them in a terrible position.

At that point, Kapil Dev assumed command and amassed an unbeaten 175 off just 138 balls, steering India’s sinking ship and leading the team to a commanding 31-run victory. Despite never being recorded for broadcast, the innings are still regarded as one of the best in ODI history.

It was West Indies great Vivian Richards’ turn to deliver an ODI batting masterclass the very next year. His innings of 189 off 170 balls are frequently regarded as one of the best in ODI history.

It was evidence of his strength, grace, and lightning-fast style, which was still rather unusual for his time. In the ensuing decades, there was Rohit Sharma’s world record 264 that caused everyone to stand and cheer, Herschelle Gibbs’ 175 in a record 435-run chase, and Sachin Tendulkar’s desert storm (143 against Australia).

So where does Maxwell rank among such great players? Since each of these innings cherished in its own right, it is difficult to make straight comparisons. However, a stage like the World Cup is difficult to overturn.

Furthermore, although Kapil’s circumstances upon reaching the crease were not as dire as Maxwell’s, the former captain of India did have the benefit of establishing a target.

For Maxwell, the chase was already difficult, and the Australian’s physical limitations in the last part of the innings made it even more difficult.

Thus, to reiterate, is Maxwell’s 201* the greatest ODI knock ever?

The innings are unquestionably deserving of consideration given the unique World Cup setting, the intense run chase, and the way Maxwell led the chase.

The 201* has dubbed the “greatest” by several people, including Australian captain Pat Cummins, former English captain Michael Vaughan, and Pakistani legend Wasim Akram, who had the best seat in the house during most of Maxwell’s knock.

One must pay attention if such well-known figures in world cricket—people who have seen and experienced it all—make such a bold assertion.

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