Among the current cricket stars, Glenn Maxwell is right at the top. He brings unpredictability with the bat, speed in the field, and off-and-on bowling. So, Maxwell was always sort of Australia’s wild card. But he was not just flamboyant in ODIs; he came through for Australia in crunch situations or put others under pressure. After 13 years and 149 games, scoring almost 4000 runs at an impressive strike rate of 126.7, Maxwell has relinquished his 50-over career. Let us now have a look at his top 5 ODI innings.
5. 96 vs. India, MCG, 2016
In January of 2016, Australia was set a target of 296 by a formidable Indian team led by Virat Kohli. The top order was struggling at 150 for 3 in the middle overs, and then Maxwell changed the course of innings. He scored 96 off 83 deliveries, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. Throughout, he kept going on with the attack even though wickets kept falling around him. He could never really reach the hundred, but by then he had laid a platform for Australia to seal the victory with 7 balls and 3 wickets to spare.
4. 108 vs. England, Old Trafford, 2020
In this match, Australia was struggling at 73 for 5 chasing 303 against England. But Maxwell and Alex Carey put on an important 212 runs for the 6th wicket. His 108 off 90 balls included 4 fours and 7 sixes, and he really brought it home towards the end. Australia secured the win with two balls to spare, courtesy of Maxwell’s efforts.
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3. 102 vs Sri Lanka at SCG, 2015
In the 2015 World Cup, Maxwell stepped in at a good time and took the game crazy. Hundred off 51 balls; that was an Australian World Cup fastest. His 102 came off 53 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes. The Lankan bowlers were clueless as he attempted wild hit after wild hit. Australia finished on 376 runs and won by 64 runs, but Maxwell was the show stopper.
2. 103 vs Netherlands at Arun Jaitley Stadium, 2023
In the 2023 World Cup, Maxwell entered the history books by being the fastest to score a hundred against the Netherlands in just 40 balls. He knocked up 106 runs off 44 balls, with 9 fours and 8 sixes. From flicks over fine leg to straight smashes of bouncers, there was nothing that could stop him this day. Australia posted 399 runs while Netherlands were bundled out for 90.
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1. 201* vs Afghanistan at Wankhede Stadium, 2023
And then comes that amazing innings against Afghanistan. Maxwell, struggling with cramps, played an extraordinary innings of 201 not out off 128 balls with the scoreline at 91 for 7 against a target of 292 for Afghanistan. He struck 21 fours and 10 sixes, pouring some unbelievable strokes. Along with Pat Cummins, he salvaged what looked like a loss into a victory which kept Australia’s World Cup hopes alive. Such was that innings, which will forever be etched in the memory of every cricket fan.
