Glenn Maxwell created history in the world of cricket with his incredible unbeaten knock of 201 runs against Afghanistan in a World Cup match. The Australian all-rounder’s performance not only helped his team secure a place in the semi-finals but also shattered several records along the way. Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 came off just 128 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, with a strike rate of over 157.
Firstly, this is Australia’s first-ever ODI double century and the 11th instance of a double hundred in 50-over cricket. Maxwell surpassed Shane Watson’s previous record of 185* against Bangladesh in 2011.
Additionally, Maxwell’s 201 is now the highest individual score in an ODI run-chase, surpassing Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman’s 193 against South Africa in 2021. This achievement also makes him the highest-scoring non-opener in ODI cricket history, surpassing Charles Coventry’s 194 against Bangladesh in 2009.
Furthermore, Maxwell’s double century is only the third instance of a double hundred in ODI Cricket World Cups. The other two instances were by Chris Gayle (215 against Zimbabwe in 2015 for West Indies) and Martin Guptill (237 against West Indies in 2015 for New Zealand).
Maxwell’s partnership of 202 runs with skipper Pat Cummins (12*) is now the highest-ever partnership for the seventh wicket or below in ODIs. This surpasses the 177-run stand between Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid of England against New Zealand in 2015 for the seventh wicket.
In terms of speed, Maxwell reached his double century in just 128 balls, making it the second-fastest double century in ODIs. The fastest double century record is held by India’s Ishan Kishan, who achieved the feat in just 126 balls against Bangladesh last year.
Moreover, with 10 sixes smashed in the match, Maxwell now has a total of 33 sixes in his World Cup career. This places him in third position among players with the most World Cup sixes. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma (45) and West Indies legend Chris Gayle (49) hold the first and second positions, respectively.
Glenn Maxwell’s extraordinary performance has left an indelible mark in cricket history, rewriting the record books and cementing his position as one of the greatest players in the game.
