Cricket has witnessed many great innings, but Glenn Maxwell’s double century (201) against Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023* stands in a league of its own. It was not just a match-winning knock — it was a miracle, a lesson in belief, and arguably the greatest ODI innings in cricket history.
On 7 November 2023, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Maxwell played an innings that redefined what is possible in one-day cricket.
Match Context: Australia on the Brink of Elimination
Australia were chasing 292 runs to secure a place in the World Cup semifinals. The pitch was slow, Afghanistan’s bowlers were disciplined, and wickets kept falling.
At one stage, Australia were:
- 91/7
- Required 201 runs
- Only 3 wickets remaining
- Glenn Maxwell struggling with severe cramps, barely able to run
Defeat looked inevitable. Afghanistan were minutes away from creating World Cup history.
Then… Glenn Maxwell decided otherwise.
Glenn Maxwell’s Innings at a Glance
| Detail | Record |
|---|---|
| Runs | 201* |
| Balls Faced | 128 |
| Fours | 21 |
| Sixes | 10 |
| Strike Rate | 157.03 |
| Match | Australia vs Afghanistan |
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Date | 7 November 2023 |
Battling Pain, Pressure & Destiny
From around 90 runs onward, Maxwell could barely stand. His legs cramped so badly that:
- He could not run singles
- He relied only on boundaries
- He collapsed multiple times between deliveries
Yet, what followed was one of the cleanest and most brutal hitting exhibitions ever seen.
Afghanistan tried everything:
- Fast bowlers
- Spinners
- Short balls
- Yorkers
Nothing worked.
Maxwell stood his ground and started clearing the boundary at will.
The Turning Point: 8th Wicket Partnership (Maxwell & Cummins)
- Partnership: 202 runs*
- Pat Cummins contribution: just 12 runs
- Maxwell scored almost every run alone
This partnership became:
- Highest 8th-wicket partnership in ODI history
- A symbol of individual brilliance overpowering a team effort
Shot-Making Masterclass
Maxwell’s innings included:
- Reverse sweeps against spinners
- One-legged pulls
- Flat-batted straight sixes
- Innovative scoops despite not being able to move
Every shot was played with perfect timing, balance, and courage.
Cricket legends, commentators, and former players were left speechless.
Records Broken During the Innings
Glenn Maxwell shattered multiple records:
- 🏏 First-ever double century in a successful ODI run chase
- 🏏 Highest individual score in ODI chases
- 🏏 Fastest World Cup double century
- 🏏 Highest score by an Australian in World Cups
- 🏏 Highest partnership for 8th wicket in ODIs
- 🏏 First non-opener to score 200+ in ODIs
Afghanistan: Brave but Heartbroken
Afghanistan played outstanding cricket:
- Disciplined bowling
- Sharp fielding
- Early breakthroughs
They even dropped Maxwell once — a moment that changed history.
Despite the loss, Afghanistan earned global respect for pushing Australia to the edge.
Why This Innings Is Considered the Greatest ODI Knock Ever
This innings had everything:
- Extreme pressure
- Physical pain
- Team on the brink of defeat
- World Cup qualification at stake
- Solo domination
Unlike flat-track centuries, this was an innings of survival, power, skill, and sheer willpower.
Many experts, including former players, have called it:
“The greatest one-day innings of all time.”
Reaction from the Cricket World
- Ricky Ponting: “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
- Sachin Tendulkar: “One of the most extraordinary ODI innings ever.”
- Social media exploded with praise, memes, and tributes.
Within minutes, the innings became cricket folklore.
Final Thoughts
Glenn Maxwell’s 201* vs Afghanistan was not just about runs — it was about never giving up.
On a night when Australia had lost hope, one man changed destiny.
This innings will be remembered:
- As the greatest World Cup knock
- As the finest ODI chase performance
- As a reminder why cricket is called the most unpredictable sport
Legends are born in pressure.
Heroes are made in impossible moments.
Glenn Maxwell became immortal on that night in Mumbai.
✅ FAQs Section
❓ When did Glenn Maxwell score 201 against Afghanistan?
Glenn Maxwell scored 201 on 7 November 2023* during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Australia and Afghanistan at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
❓ Is Glenn Maxwell’s 201 the greatest ODI innings ever?
Yes, many experts consider it the greatest ODI innings ever due to the match situation, physical struggle, pressure of a World Cup chase, and Australia being 91/7 while chasing 292.
❓ Was this the first double century in an ODI run chase?
Yes. Glenn Maxwell became the first player in ODI history to score a double century in a successful run chase.
❓ How many balls did Glenn Maxwell take to score 201?
Maxwell scored 201 off 128 balls*, hitting 21 fours and 10 sixes at a strike rate of over 157.
❓ What records did Glenn Maxwell break with this innings?
He broke multiple records including:
- Highest individual score in an ODI chase
- First non-opener to score 200+ in ODIs
- Fastest World Cup double century
- Highest World Cup score by an Australian
❓ Who was Glenn Maxwell’s batting partner during the famous partnership?
Pat Cummins was his partner in the 202-run unbeaten 8th-wicket partnership, the highest for the 8th wicket in ODI history.
❓ Why is this innings special compared to other double centuries?
Unlike other double centuries scored on flat pitches, Maxwell’s innings came:
- While severely injured
- With Australia 91/7
- In a must-win World Cup match
This makes it unique and legendary.
❓ Did Afghanistan drop Glenn Maxwell during the innings?
Yes, Afghanistan dropped Maxwell once, which proved to be the turning point of the match and changed World Cup history.
❓ Did Australia qualify for the semifinals after this match?
Yes, Australia’s victory sealed their place in the World Cup 2023 semifinals.
