With the current ICC men’s ODI World Cup 2023 approaching its conclusion, the tournament’s third week has also come to a close.
The tournament has become a sanctuary for fans who love the 50-over format, as it brings together the world’s top teams on a daily basis.
In the third week of the tournament, India maintained their strong performance and handed New Zealand its first defeat. Other teams like Australia and South Africa also progressed towards the knockout stages.
The high-scoring games have undoubtedly been the week’s main attraction. The pitches in India have mostly proven favorable to hitters, with as many as nine centuries being hit in as many games.
The 10 nations have scored a total of 4,929 runs at a scoring run rate of 6.11.
On that point, here are the top five batting performances from Week 3 of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
5. 87 off 113 – Ibrahim Zadran vs Pakistan in Chennai (Match 22)
Afghanistan achieved their highest-ever run chase in ODIs by beating Pakistan by eight wickets in Chennai. The match was their first win against Pakistan in 11 years. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a solid start with a 130-run opening stand. Zadran scored 87 and Gurbaz made 65 off 53 balls. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi finished the chase with an unbeaten 96-run partnership. Shah scored 77 not out and Shahidi made 48 not out.
The win was sweeter for Afghanistan as they chased down a challenging target of 283. Pakistan had posted 282/7 in their 50 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers kept the scoring rate under control and picked up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Afghanistan’s victory was their second in the tournament, after they had stunned England in their previous game. They showed great composure and skill in chasing down a big total against a strong bowling attack. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered their 3rd loss and will have to improve their performance in the upcoming matches.
4. 163 off 124 – David Warner vs Pakistan in Bengaluru (Match 18)
David Warner’s brilliant batting display in the 2023 ODI World Cup continued as he scored his second consecutive century against the Netherlands. He had earlier smashed 163 runs against Pakistan, the highest individual score in the tournament so far.
Warner and Mitchell Marsh, who also scored a century, put on a record-breaking opening stand of 259 runs, the second-highest in ODI World Cup history. They took full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions and the short boundaries, hitting the Pakistani bowlers all over the park.
Warner hit 14 fours and nine sixes in his innings, showing his aggression and confidence. He was dropped twice by the Pakistani fielders, which proved to be costly for them. He was finally dismissed by Haris Rauf in the 43rd over, caught by Shadab Khan at long-on.
3. 95 off 104 – Virat Kohli vs New Zealand in Dharamsala (Match 21)
Virat Kohli once again proved why he is the best chaser in the world as he led India to a thrilling victory over New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup. He scored a magnificent 95 off 104 balls and almost took India home with a six and a four in the penultimate over.
Kohli showed his class and temperament as he kept his cool despite losing wickets at regular intervals. He stitched a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, who also played a vital role with an unbeaten 39.
However, he fell just five runs short of the target and his century as he was caught on the boundary by Glenn Phillips off Matt Henry bowling. Jadeja finished the job for India as they won by four wickets with 12 balls to spare. It was India’s first ODI World Cup win against New Zealand since 2003.
2. 174 off 140 – Quinton de Kock vs Bangladesh in Mumbai (Match 23)
Quinton de Kock was in sublime form as he scored the highest individual score of the 2023 ODI World Cup against Bangladesh in Mumbai. He smashed 174 runs off 140 balls, hitting 15 fours and 7 sixes.
De Kock rescued South Africa from a shaky start and built a solid partnership with Aiden Markram, who also scored a half-century.
Quinton de Kock showed no mercy to Shakib Al Hasan, hitting him for a six, followed by a four, another six, and yet another four in four consecutive balls during the 43rd over. He seemed on track to become the first South African player to achieve a double century in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), but unfortunately, he was caught at the boundary. The crowd erupted into applause, recognizing his phenomenal innings.
1. 106 off 44 – Glenn Maxwell vs Netherlands in Delhi (Match 24)
Aiden Markram’s 49-ball century in October 2023 was followed by Glenn Maxwell’s fastest century in ODI World Cup history 18 days later.
Australia’s Maxwell, after 39 overs, provided a late blitz with 35 runs off 21 balls. He then dominated with 19 balls for 66 runs, hitting nine boundaries and eight maximums, making his fastest ODI World Cup century in 40 balls.
Maxwell’s impressive range of shots and exceptional hitting led Australia to a 399/8 total and the largest victory in ODI World Cup history by 309 runs.
