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

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

Despite winning five World Cup championships, Glenn Maxwell's knock made the Australian team's victory against Afghanistan one of the most memorable.

Glenn Maxwell wrote a story on Tuesday that was full of tenacity, boldness, and unwavering cricketing skill to lead Australia to an incredible victory against Afghanistan by three wickets. It should come as no surprise that many current and past cricket players are already referring to the Australian all-rounder's 201* innings as the best of all time after he crushed a 292-run chase. Although Australia has won five World Cup championships, Maxwell's knock made sure that their triumph against Afghanistan was one of their 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 to be regarded as the "greatest." When Maxwell got to the crease, Australia, who were, theoretically, overwhelmingly favorites over Afghanistan, were reeling at 49/4. Since Azmatullah Omarzai was on a hat-trick at the time, his first delivery of the innings sparked a review, albeit one that was more emotional than analytical. Afghanistan requested a review when Maxwell discovered a thick outside edge that gave one bounce to the goalie.

However, Australia's position worsened even more when they collapsed to 91-7. But Maxwell had set the scenario, and while he was dumped twice on 24 and 33, he still found a way to take the initiative. There were several obstacles in his path as he approached the remarkable double century, both personal and external.

Maxwell's innings was interspersed by drops, reviews, cramps, and physical anguish. 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 threshold was reduced to 75 runs. The Wankhede Stadium audience gave him a standing ovation for each shot, which was a testimonial to his courage. 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 hitter to reach this incredible milestone without opening up the ball adds even more distinction to his accomplishment.

Best ever, ever?

India was playing Zimbabwe in the World Cup semi-final in 1983. India had a tremendous run in the competition, but at only seventeen, they had lost half of their team, leaving them in a terrible position. At that point, Kapil Dev took command and amassed an undefeated 175 off only 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 is still regarded as one of the best in ODI history.

It was West Indies great Vivian Richards' chance to provide an ODI batting masterpiece the very following year. His innings of 189 off 170 balls is often regarded as one of the best in ODI history. It was evidence of his strength, grace, and lightning-fast technique, which was still very unusual for his day. In the next decades, there was Rohit Sharma's world record 264 that caused everyone to rise 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 in relation to such great players? Since each of these innings is cherished in its own right, it is difficult to make straight comparisons. However, a stage like the World Cup is difficult to overturn. Furthermore, while 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 latter part of the innings made it much more difficult.

Thus, to reiterate, is Maxwell's 201* the greatest ODI innings ever?

The innings is unquestionably deserving of consideration given the unique World Cup setting, the intense run chase, and the way Maxwell led the pursuit. The 201* has been dubbed the "greatest" by a number of people, including Australian captain Pat Cummins, former English captain Michael Vaughan, and Pakistani icon Wasim Akram, who had the best seat in the house throughout much of Maxwell's knock.

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