Maxwell’s Epic 2023 World Cup Innings: The Greatest ODI Chase Ever? - Best11.in

In the history of ODI cricket, filled with numerous records, there’s often debate about which innings stands as the greatest. However, in the annals of World Cup history, where footage from 1983 is unavailable, Kapil Dev’s legendary 175 against Zimbabwe—a one-man battle—undoubtedly ranks at the top or very close to it. Yet, Glenn Maxwell’s innings in the 2023 World Cup match against Afghanistan surely matches or even surpasses it. For cricket fans who never had the chance to witness Kapil’s iconic knock, Maxwell’s performance offered a thrilling, one-man run-chase spectacle at its absolute peak.

It was a sight to behold—a player unable to run, chasing the ball across the field in a different way. Despite the possibility of converting shots into singles or doubles, his body didn’t allow running, and the balls he let go and the runs he sacrificed were the biggest testament to this. [Music] The core batting theory in cricket is to maximize runs by running between the wickets, finding gaps in the field, avoiding risky big shots, and playing ground shots to steadily build a batsman’s score.

From openers to the last wicket, every batsman follows this approach to some extent. They capitalize on loose deliveries, sending them to the boundary for bonus runs. But Maxwell, on that day, adopted a different theory. With 21 fours and sixes, he scored 144 runs solely from boundaries, facing just 31 balls for those shots. Against a formidable spin attack—featuring Rashid Khan, Noor, and Mujeeb, who were at their peak in that World Cup—Maxwell faced 128 balls, leaving most of the remaining 97 balls unplayed due to his inability to run. Those became dot balls, effectively turning Afghanistan’s bowling strategy into Maxwell’s counter-plan. That counter-plan was what he executed brilliantly at Wankhede, scripting an unbelievable victory.

With the score at 91 for 7, Australia’s main batsmen had returned to the pavilion within 20 overs, and not a single specialist batsman remained at the crease. At that moment, the win predictor on the screen showed a 94% chance for Afghanistan and just 6% for Australia. By then, more than three-quarters of the match’s script seemed written at Wankhede. But Maxwell, in the final moments, turned into Afghanistan’s villain and Australia’s savior. What followed was an anti-climax that outdid the climax itself. Chewing gum nonchalantly, he took on Rashid Khan and Mujeeb in the middle overs, dismantling them with ease. In the first ball of the 22nd over, when an umpire called him out on Noor’s off-spin delivery, Maxwell, halfway to the pavilion and seemingly out, called for DRS.

In that over and the ones that followed, Afghanistan dropped two catch opportunities off Maxwell. They later realized they had let slip a match that was three-quarters in their favor. After reaching 50 off 51 balls, Maxwell shifted gears, unleashing his maximum mode. He didn’t give spin balls time to turn, sending them soaring into the galleries. In the next 24 balls, he added another 50 runs, securing his second century of the tournament. On the other end, Captain Cummins, though not contributing runs, provided unwavering support.

However, in the 35th over, muscle cramps set in, and by the 41st over, Maxwell couldn’t complete a run, writhing in pain on the ground. Having missed the previous match due to injury, he lay on the field as if in shock. In that moment, when a retirement hurt was expected, Adam Zampa came padded up. But Maxwell, unwilling to back down, sent Zampa back. From there, he captured the Afghan-supporting gallery as well. Lacking the physical capacity for footwork, he faced dangerous bowlers like Azmatullah—who had dismissed Warner and Inglis—brought in by Captain Shahidi and the experienced Rashid Khan to land the ball low toward the stumps. Yet, Maxwell smashed Azmatullah to long-on to reach 150, relying on the strength of his wrists instead of iconic footwork, sending balls into the stands. Beyond reverse sweeps and reverse scoops, he even played an unorthodox reverse pull for a six.Without putting weight on his legs, maintaining his head position, and swinging from a stationary stance, Maxwell’s style left the gallery and live stream viewers in awe.

 Everyone watching knew they were witnessing a historic run-chase innings. At times, he limped in pain, but he overcame it with each swing of the bat. Afghanistan’s confident bowling attack, which hadn’t faltered until then, succumbed to the pressure of his relentless fight. Despite their strategy to avoid Maxwell’s strike, get to Cummins, and target the tail, they couldn’t break through. Such was the dominance Maxwell established over the bowlers with his resolute mindset and willow. Though Cummins scored only 12 runs off 68 balls, he offered full support, enjoying Maxwell’s batting masterclass. Those who frown at Cummins’ scorecard from that IPL match, where he scored 50 off 15 balls, likely haven’t seen this game or understood its context.

Of the 202-run partnership for the eighth wicket, 179 runs were Maxwell’s contribution—nearly 90%. In Mujeeb’s 47th over, with two sixes and two fours, Maxwell secured Australia’s place in the semi-finals. The first double century by an Australian, the highest individual score in a run-chase, the first double century by a non-opener in ODIs, the largest eighth-wicket partnership, and half a dozen other records were etched in his name during that match.

Ricky Ponting, Australia’s legendary captain and player with three World Cup titles, said from the commentary box: “I’ve played and watched a lot of cricket, but no matter how much I think, I can’t recall an innings like this.” Ponting’s words ring true. In that innings, Afghanistan’s historic fight faded into the background. Despite losing more than half his physical capacity, Maxwell, with his mental fortitude at its peak, conquered Wankhede and that match single-handedly. “A fitting climax of Maxwell’s maximum, guiding Australia into the semi-finals of the Cricket World Cup,” as Harsha Bhogle complimented, noting that even Mujeeb, the spin magician with “20 fingers,” was sent for a six. With a wry smile, Maxwell raised his bat to the gallery while limping, and the world stood up to salute this most historic chasing innings in cricket history. Even if he retires from ODIs, this one innings will be remembered for ages to come.