In the world of cricket, there have been countless memorable moments that have left fans in awe of the skill and determination of their favorite players. One format of the game that has produced some of the most spectacular individual performances is One Day International (ODI) cricket. These matches often feature breathtaking displays of batting prowess, with players pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 5 greatest ODI knocks in cricket history that have left a historic mark on the game.
Top 5 Greatest Ever ODI Knocks:
1. Glenn Maxwell — 201* vs Afghanistan, 2023
On a fateful day in 2023, Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell etched his name into the annals of cricket history with a staggering double century against Afghanistan. The stage was set in the bustling Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, and the odds seemed heavily stacked against Australia as they languished at 7-91 midway through the 19th over.
Maxwell, however, had other plans. Despite battling cramps and facing an almost insurmountable situation, he stood his ground and delivered a breathtaking performance. With unwavering determination, he unleashed a barrage of powerful shots, sending the ball to all corners of the stadium.
This remarkable innings wasn’t just about personal glory; it was also a testament to Maxwell’s resilience and belief in the face of adversity. His 201* not only secured a miraculous victory for Australia but also made him the first Australian men’s cricketer to score an ODI double-century, and that too battling with cramps, down and out.
2. Rohit Sharma — 264 vs Sri Lanka, 2014
Rohit Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014 is a masterpiece that still resonates in the cricketing world. While the pressure might not have been as intense as some of the other knocks on this list, Sharma’s remarkable double century cannot be understated. Scoring 264 runs in an ODI is an impressive feat for an entire team, let alone a single batsman.
Sharma, a swashbuckling opening batsman, was on a mission to dominate the Sri Lankan team that day. He faced 173 balls, and in that time, he obliterated the bowlers, amassing 264 runs. His performance not only secured victory for India but also established a record that still stands as the highest individual score in ODI cricket.
3. Sir Viv Richards — 189* vs England, 1984
In 1984, the West Indian cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards delivered a performance for the ages. His unbeaten 189* against England not only shattered records but also set a benchmark for future generations of cricketers. Richards’ incredible innings came at a time when the concept of a high individual score in ODI cricket was still evolving.
What makes this knock even more exceptional is the dire situation in which Richards found himself. He walked into bat when the West Indies were struggling at 2/11. As the wickets kept falling, it seemed like an impossible task to recover. However, Richards had other plans. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, he single-handedly carried his team to a total of 272.
This innings is often regarded as one of the greatest in the history of cricket. Notably, it was achieved away from home, against a formidable England side at Old Trafford. Richards’ 189* stood as the highest individual score in ODIs for 13 years, a testament to its greatness.
4. Kapil Dev — 175* vs Zimbabwe, 1983
Kapil Dev’s 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup remains etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts. When Kapil Dev strode to the crease, India was in dire straits, with the scoreboard reading 4/9. A loss at that stage would have almost certainly meant India’s exit from the tournament.
However, Kapil Dev had other plans. With extraordinary composure and skill, the No.6 batsman launched a spectacular counterattack. His unbeaten 175* came off just 138 balls, a remarkable achievement in an era when a total of 250 was considered substantial. He carried India to a total of 266, and his innings played a pivotal role in India’s eventual triumph in the World Cup.
5. Herschelle Gibbs — 175 vs Australia, 2006
Herschelle Gibbs’ 175 against Australia in 2006 is widely considered one of the greatest innings in cricket history. The South African team faced a daunting challenge as Australia set them a mammoth target of 4/434 in the fifth ODI of the series.
Australia’s captain Ricky Ponting had himself scored a remarkable 164, a performance that seemed unlikely to be surpassed. However, Gibbs, batting at No.3, had other ideas. His incredible innings saw him tearing apart the Australian bowling attack.
Gibbs’ 175 not only defied the odds but also helped South Africa achieve the highest successful run chase in the history of ODI cricket. With just one ball to spare, they reached a total of 438.
