A One Day International (ODI) is a type of limited overs cricket match that takes place between two nations. The match lasts up to seven hours and features a set number of overs—currently 50—for each team. This format is used for the Cricket World Cup, which usually takes place every four years. In addition to this, the development of the international one-day game dates back to the late 20th century. Australia as well as England played their first One-Day International (ODI) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 5 in the year 1971.
Over the years there have been various exceptional instances where the cricketers have showed their exceptional talent with either bat in hand or bowl in hand. Here we will be looking at top three greatest innings have been played in the history of ODI cricket so far. In an ODI match, batting second or chasing down the total has always been a difficult art to master. Hence, playing a match winning innings at that stage demands some exceptional mindset. Let us now look at top three best innings in run chases;
185* vs BAN – Shane Watson in 2011
Shane Watson (Source: Twitter)
Australia defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets thanks to an innings of 185 not out from just 96 deliveries in which all-rounder Shane Watson smashed a world record with 15 sixes. In just 26 overs, Australia overcame Bangladesh’s 229 for seven thanks to Watson’s 185 not out from 96 balls. Nearly 80% of the runs were scored by him; the remaining 45 runs were shared by Brad Haddin and Ricky Ponting. His 15 sixes were all in the legside arc, and Suhrawadi Shuvo, the left-arm spinner, gave up four consecutive runs.
Beyond West Indian legend Viv Richards (69.48%), Watson’s percentage of his team’s score (79.7%) of 1-232 was the highest of any player in history. It was arguably one of the best innings in run chases when impact is considered.
193 vs SA- Fakhar Zaman in 2021
Fakhar Zaman (Source: Twitter)
In the second ODI of a three-match series, Pakistan’s opener Fakhar Zaman produced a magnificent single-handed attack in Johannesburg on Sunday, but it was insufficient for the Asian team as they attempted a steep 342 against South Africa. In ODI cricket, Fakhar Zaman’s 193 off 155 balls was the highest score ever by a batsman batting second. He helped Pakistan out of a tight spot and gave the hosts several nervous moments. Unfortunately, Zaman was run out for 193 in the last over of the chase, missing the chance to follow in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma, who had become the first cricketer from Pakistan to reach a double hundred in an ODI.
However, the questions were raised on Quinton de Kock’s purposeful attempt to divert attention from Fakhar Zaman, who was run out in the last over while attempting a double, is being questioned. In a furious knock, Zaman blasted ten sixes and eighteen boundaries, holding Pakistan within striking distance.
201 vs AFG – Glenn Maxwell in 2023
Glenn Maxwell (Source: Twitter)
In Australia’s World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan in Mumbai on Tuesday, Glenn Maxwell struck an undefeated 201. He also set a record for the highest individual score in a One-Day International run chase. It was arguably best innings in run chases.
The Australian team defeated Afghanistan by three wickets and advanced to the semifinals thanks to the innings, which also marked the first double century by an Australian batsman. Maxwell became just the third batter in World Cup history to score two tons with it.
With his team down seven wickets for just 91 runs and suffering from cramps, Maxwell used his strike to smash a double century in 128 deliveries. In One-Day Internationals, his eight-wicket partnership of 202 runs with Pat Cummins was the highest.
