AUS vs AFG: Maxwell's 201 better than Kapil Dev's 175? Debate over greatest World Cup innings erupts
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Nov 7, 2023, 11:06 PM ISTA mind-blowing double century from all-rounder Glenn Maxwell fired Australia to a three-wicket win over Afghanistan in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, ensuring a semi-finals berth in the mega event.
In the annals of cricketing history, defining the greatest innings in limited-overs cricket often becomes a topic of impassioned debate. Among these discussions, a heated argument surfaced on Tuesday, comparing Glenn Maxwell's extraordinary 201 not out against Afghanistan in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 with Kapil Dev's iconic 175 in the 1983 World Cup against Zimbabwe. Both innings stand as monumental performances etched in the sport's memory, sparking a fervent debate among cricket enthusiasts and experts worldwide.
A Glenn Maxwell masterclass guided Australia to the semi-finals ๐ ๐: https://t.co/TTD4cbDJZH pic.twitter.com/WVTGxVboqt
โ ICC (@ICC)Glenn Maxwell showcased an extraordinary display of resilience and skill, enduring pain and exhaustion to produce what is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable innings in limited-overs cricket history. His unbeaten knock of 201 runs off just 128 balls propelled Australia to a stunning three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023 at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium. This incredible performance secured Australia's spot as the third team to enter the tournament's semifinals.
The Man The myth the Legend
Glen Maxwell remeber the Name pic.twitter.com/XS94gxIqGZ
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Opting to bat first, Afghanistan saw opener Ibrahim Zadran achieve a historic milestone by becoming the first player from his country to score a World Cup century. His exceptional innings guided Afghanistan to a competitive total of 291 for five.
Australia's reply initially appeared bleak as they found themselves struggling at 91 for seven in the 19th over. However, it was at this critical juncture that Maxwell, defying the odds, took charge of the game. He orchestrated an extraordinary comeback, forming a record-breaking partnership of 202 runs for the eighth wicket with skipper Pat Cummins, who witnessed Maxwell's heroics from the other end. Maxwell's exceptional innings featured a spectacular display of batting prowess, comprising 21 boundaries and 10 sixes, steering Australia to an improbable victory.
An exceptional double ton from an injured Glenn Maxwell helps Australia to a famous victory ๐ฅ Milestones ๐ pic.twitter.com/OavPr2ZRAN
โ ICC (@ICC)Australia couldn't have made a more epic entry into the semi-finals ๐คฉ pic.twitter.com/Q9pRKo4Pka
โ ICC (@ICC)Kapil Dev's Legendary 175: A Turning Point in Cricketing History
Contrastingly, Kapil Dev's 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup in Tunbridge Wells, England, remains an iconic innings that defined the course of cricketing history. In a match where India faced a precarious situation at 17 for five, Kapil Dev arrived at the crease and played an innings of sheer audacity and brilliance. His knock, characterized by aggressive stroke play and resilience, not only resurrected India from a dire situation but also was a turning point for India in the 1983 World Cup.ย Had they lost to Zimbabwe, India would almost certainly have failed to reach the semi-finals of the showpiece tournament. As it was, Kapil Dev and Co. went on to win the tournament, surprisingly defeating an over-confident West Indies in the final.
The Debate Unfolds: Comparing Maxwell and Kapil
The debate between Maxwell's 201 and Kapil's 175 centers around several facets. Maxwell's innings showcased unparalleled individual brilliance and mastery, leading Australia to a miraculous victory under immense pressure. His ability to turn around a seemingly lost cause has drawn accolades from all corners.
On the other hand, Kapil's innings is revered for its historical context and the impact it had on the game. It was not just a spectacular individual performance but a transformative moment in cricket history, steering India to an unexpected victory that went on to define the sport's trajectory.
The argument weighs the significance of Maxwell's unparalleled individual brilliance against Kapil's innings, which carried the weight of an entire team's fortunes and marked a pivotal moment in cricket's narrative.
Glenn Maxwell now goes past Kapil Dev's 175*, making it the highest score while batting at No.6 or lower in men's ODIs ๐ฅhttps://t.co/1bwfd3L21Q pic.twitter.com/SgGm70c21E
โ ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo)The Verdict: Appreciating Moments That Shaped Cricket
In truth, comparing Maxwell's 201 with Kapil's 175 is a complex endeavour. Both innings are monumental in their own right. Maxwell's knock stands as an extraordinary display of individual brilliance, while Kapil's innings holds the weight of a transformative narrative in cricketing history.ย Ultimately, cricket enthusiasts and experts appreciate both innings for their unparalleled impact on the sport. Instead of pitting them against each other, these innings serve as testaments to the extraordinary moments that have shaped and enriched the game of cricket.
Here's a look at how fans reacted after Maxwell pulled off a Kapil Dev in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023:
Kapil Dev's 175 and Maxwell's 201. Don't think many can beat those innings. Look at that graph! pic.twitter.com/v6kYzibWnd
โ Mohak Mangal (@mohakmangal)Champion Stuff ๐
Glenn Maxwell did a Kapil Dev ๐๐
2023๐ Glenn Maxwell 201 not out vs Afghanistan
Australia were 91 runs for 7 wickets earlier
1983๐ Kapil Dev scored 175 not out vs Zimbabwe
India were 17 runs for 5 wickets earlier pic.twitter.com/pCSeQ6hQlP
My father, who had watched Kapil Dev's 175 vs Zimbabwe live from the stadium said that this knock by Maxwell is better than that ๐ซก pic.twitter.com/TKjsKoPwBq
โ Daksh (@82MCG_)Kapil Dev scored 175 runs in a World Cup when the team was 140/8.
Glenn Maxwell scored 176 runs in a World Cup match When the team was 91/7. pic.twitter.com/TfPMxbCHuy
GLENN IS FREAKING LEGEND !
THE WAY HE BATTED TODAY ,
GREATEST INNINGS,
WHERE AUS WERE 91/7 ,
BUT MAXWELL TOOK AUSSIES FOR WINNING SINGLE HANDLY,
SCORED 201 RUNS ,
& CUMMINS SCORE 12 RUNS IN 68 BALLS. pic.twitter.com/o02nfDHMFh
What a man, what a inning ๐ฅ
We have not seen the Great Cricket Innings of Kapil dev against Zimbabwe in 1983. Today we could witness the Great Innings by Aust Maxwell who fought alone against Afghanistan to chase the target of 292. Please note he whole body was Cramped.Oh whatโฆ pic.twitter.com/zhUdh0A6z3
After watching today's innings of Maxwell, I remembered how great Kapil Dev played the same like innings in the 1983 World Cup, Maxwell just played unbelievable, historical and inhuman innings today. This will be remembered for ages โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ๐๐๐๐๐๐ซก๐ซก๐ซก๐ซก๐๐๐๐๐โฆ pic.twitter.com/PLBXByM8Jv
โ Saumya Tripathi (@SanskariSaumyat)Best innings of all World Cups since 1975 by today. Kapil Devโs 175 against Zimbabwe moved to second position today after 40 years ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ
โ Faad Dunga BC (@naalaYUCK)My dad told me about Kapil Dev vs Zimbabwe, Iโll tell the future generations about Maxwell vs Afghanistan.
โ Karan Singh (@karansinghmagic)Maxwell's 201 trumps Kapil Dev's 175..
Greatest WC Inning.
Glenn Maxwell did a Kapil Dev ๐ pic.twitter.com/LFvsmMwa7o
โ HakunaMatata (@dhanapal13)Ppl debating about the maxwell innings being better than kapil dev's 175
How you gonna call it better when no one has ever seen it ๐
Just appreciate the greatness we witnessed today bozos.
The Greatest ODI Knock
Kapil Dev ๐ฎ๐ณ in 1983
Glenn Maxwell ๐ฆ๐บ 2023 bhikari pic.twitter.com/lSCuWLzZiH
We remember Kapil Dev's 175* vs. Zimbabwe as the best innings of all time in a World Cup.
With all due respect, Sir Glenn Maxwell just beat that. pic.twitter.com/taT53SDgDe
Maxwell playing like Kapil Dev of 1983
Cummins playing like Gavaskar of 1975
It feels great to witness what my father couldnโt.
He couldnโt watch the historic 175 knock by Kapil Dev in 1983 world cup.
But I am fortunate to witness the historic innings by Maxwell (201*) in 2023 world cup.
ThankYou Maxwell โค๏ธ
From a Cricket Lover
We were not born to witness Kapil Dev's great innings of 175* against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup but Today we have witnessed the Greatest innings of the Cricket History.
Innings of the Millennium. pic.twitter.com/b4et6B89LQ
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