On Tuesday, Glenn Maxwell etched a remarkable chapter in the annals of cricket history, showcasing unwavering resilience, audacity, and an indomitable cricketing spirit to lead Australia to a miraculous three-wicket victory over Afghanistan. The Australian all-rounder’s extraordinary innings of 201* in a challenging chase of 292 runs has sparked widespread acclaim, with many former and current cricketers hailing it as one of the greatest innings of all time. This assertion, for once, may not be an exaggeration, as Australia, a five-time World Cup champion, witnessed one of their most memorable and sweetest victories in the tournament’s history, all thanks to Maxwell’s heroics.
What makes Glenn Maxwell’s incredible innings a strong contender for the title of ‘greatest’ is the fact that it unfolded on the grand stage of the World Cup, an event that defines careers and legacies. Australia, the overwhelming favorites on paper, found themselves struggling at 49/4 when Maxwell stepped onto the pitch. His very first ball faced initiated a review, albeit one driven more by emotions than cricketing judgment. Azmatullah Omarzai was on a hat-trick when Maxwell edged the ball, resulting in a one-bounce catch to the keeper, prompting Afghanistan to challenge for a leg-before decision.
Australia’s situation further deteriorated, reaching 91-7. Nevertheless, the stage was set for Maxwell, who, despite surviving two dropped catches on 24 and 33, managed to seize the moment. His path to the historic double century was fraught with adversity, encompassing drops, reviews, cramps, and physical discomfort. As the innings progressed, Maxwell’s ability to run was compromised, and he could barely move his feet to play a shot when only 75 runs were required. Remarkably, every single he managed to take received a standing ovation from the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium. Maxwell’s extraordinary display was characterized by his exceptional hand-eye coordination and near-perfect ball-striking abilities, compensating for his physical limitations.
Maxwell’s record-breaking 201* was not just a double century; it was the first time in the history of ODIs that an individual achieved a double century while chasing, a distinction that elevates his achievement. Moreover, he accomplished this remarkable feat as a non-opening batter, marking another unprecedented achievement.
In the pantheon of great ODI innings, Glenn Maxwell’s 201* emerges as a strong contender for the title of the greatest. It joins the ranks of iconic performances, such as Kapil Dev’s legendary 175* in the 1983 World Cup semi-final, Vivian Richards’ powerful 189, Sachin Tendulkar’s ‘desert storm’ 143, Herschelle Gibbs’ 175 in a record 435-run chase, and Rohit Sharma’s world-record 264. Each of these innings is celebrated for its unique context and contribution to the sport.
The unique context of the World Cup, the high-pressure run chase, and Maxwell’s exceptional performance in steering the chase all combine to make his innings a worthy contender for the title of the greatest ODI knock of all time. The recognition and acclaim from cricketing legends like Wasim Akram, Michael Vaughan, and Pat Cummins further underscore the extraordinary nature of Maxwell’s achievement and its place in cricketing history. When such distinguished figures in world cricket collectively endorse this innings as the “greatest,” it becomes a statement worth acknowledging and celebrating.
