Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten double century in an extraordinary ODI performance at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium during the ICC World Cup 2023 clash against Afghanistan.
The Afghan bowlers, defending a target of 292, had Australia reeling at 91/7, seemingly on the brink of a colossal upset. However, Maxwell had different plans, turning the game on its head.
Maxwell’s remarkable innings began with a stroke of luck, as a crucial dropped catch by Mujeeb Ur Rahman proved pivotal. From there, he unleashed a relentless onslaught, transforming his initial 33 runs into an astonishing 207. Displaying brutal force, Maxwell hammered an impressive 21 fours and ten sixes, guiding Australia to an unprecedented victory.
Despite battling cramps and a back spasm, Maxwell’s resolve remained unbroken. He powered through the pain, hobbling for singles in the latter stages of his innings. His masterful strokeplay left no room for a second chance, asserting his dominance with unwavering might.
It was a record-breaking night, simply because of the ‘Glenn Maxwell’ show. Here are five of the most significant records that the Australian batter broke en route to his unbeaten 201.
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Highest ODI score while batting at No. 6 or below
Maxwell came to bat at No. 6 when Australia were 49/4 inside the powerplay. His knock of 201* is now the highest individual score by any batter while batting at No. 6 or below in ODI cricket.
Another historical knock, where Kapil Dev hammered 175 runs against Zimbabwe at the 1983 World Cup, is now second on the list.
Maxwell’s 201* is now also the highest individual score while batting at No. 6 in List-A cricket. David Wiese scored 171 for Sussex while batting at No. 6 in 2019.
Highest partnership for 7th wicket or lower in ODI history
Maxwell and Cummins added 202* runs for the eighth wicket against Afghanistan. While Maxwell did the bulk of run-scoring, the role that Cummins played was also worth its weight in gold.
Their 202*-run stand is now the highest for any seventh-wicket or lower partnership in one-day internationals. The duo overtook the 177-run stand put up by Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid in an ODI against New Zealand in Birmingham in 2015.
Highest ODI score for Australia
After a total of 994 ODIs, Australia now finally have their first double centurion. The record five-time World Cup champions have always produced remarkable batting talents over the decades.
However, Maxwell’s 201* is now the highest individual score for the Aussie unit in ODI cricket. The previous highest was held by Shane Watson when he scored 185* against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2011.
First ODI double century by a non-opener
While there have been 10 ODI individual double centuries prior to the Australia vs. Afghanistan clash, none of them came from a non-opening batter.
Starting from Sachin Tendulkar (200* vs SA) to Shubman Gill (208 vs NZ), the list was packed with opening batters.
Maxwell has now become the first-ever non-opener to hit a double century in an ODI innings. As mentioned earlier, he batted at No. 6.
First ODI double century while chasing
Another commonality between the previous double hundreds was that all came while batting first. Batting first allows a batter to hit more freely. However, it is always difficult to pile up huge runs with the scoreboard pressure while batting second.
Maxwell showed nerves of steel against Afghanistan as he brought his side home while chasing 292 in Mumbai. His 201* is now the first-ever double ton while chasing in One-Day International history.
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