Anish AgrawalFive Spectacular Solo ODI Batting Performances
In the world of cricket, few moments are as exhilarating and awe-inspiring as a solo batting performance in a One Day International (ODI) match.
These exceptional displays of skill and determination not only elevate the cricketer’s status but also etch their names in the annals of cricketing history. Let’s dive into the records and relive five of the most remarkable solo ODI batting performances that have left cricket fans spellbound.
5) Sachin Tendulkar – 175 off 141 balls, vs Australia 2009
On November 5, 2009, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India found itself chasing a formidable target of 351 runs set by Australia. In this high-stakes encounter, Sachin Tendulkar’s bat produced magic.
His innings of 175 off 141 balls nearly pulled off an incredible victory for India. It was a masterclass of batting that saw Tendulkar take on one of the most dominant bowling line-ups of that era. Alas, India fell short by just 3 runs, but Sachin’s performance is etched in cricketing folklore.
4) Martin Guptill – 237* off 163 balls, vs West Indies 2015
In the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-final held at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, Martin Guptill delivered an innings for the ages. Batting first, New Zealand posted a colossal total of 393/6 in 50 overs, and at the center of this onslaught was Guptill’s unbeaten 237* off 163 balls.
This innings rewrote record books, making Guptill the highest individual scorer in Cricket World Cup history. His aggressive batting, including 24 fours and 11 sixes, set the stage for New Zealand’s emphatic victory.
3) Rohit Sharma – 264 off 173 balls, vs Sri Lanka 2014
On November 13, 2014, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, Rohit Sharma embarked on a cricketing odyssey that will forever be etched in memory. Sharma’s monumental innings of 264 off 173 balls against Sri Lanka stands as the highest individual score in ODIs. His strokeplay was sheer poetry, as he amassed 33 fours and 9 sixes.
The world watched in amazement as Sharma reached his double century in just 151 balls, displaying an extraordinary blend of skill, elegance, and power.
2) Saeed Anwar – 194 off 146 balls, vs India 1997
During the Independence Cup in Chennai on May 21, 1997, Saeed Anwar exhibited a batting masterclass that left cricket enthusiasts in awe. Batting for Pakistan, Anwar’s innings of 194 off 146 balls against India showcased his exquisite strokeplay and dominance. While he narrowly missed out on a historic double century in ODIs, his 22 fours and 5 sixes left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
1) Glenn Maxwell – 201* off 128 balls, vs Afghanistan 2023
In the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Glenn Maxwell delivered a performance that will be celebrated for generations to come. Facing Afghanistan, Australia found itself in a perilous situation. Maxwell, with unmatched determination, turned the tide with an unbeaten double-century.
His 201* off 128 balls at a staggering strike rate of 157.03 was a breathtaking display of power, timing, and sheer brilliance. Maxwell’s innings weren’t just about numbers; it was about heart and skill, solidifying his status as one of the most thrilling and dangerous batsmen in the cricketing world.
These five extraordinary solo ODI batting performances serve as a testament to the sheer brilliance and resilience of cricketers who have graced the international stage.
They are not merely innings but stories of determination, passion, and a deep love for the game that resonate with fans worldwide. These performances continue to inspire cricket enthusiasts, reminding us all of the unparalleled beauty of the sport.
Ben Armfield
