5 best cricket innings under pressure

The development of cricket batting has gone through a significant and transformative evolution throughout its history. Batters now utilize a wide range of talents, including classical approaches and novel strokes such as the switch-hit as well as ramp shot, to achieve dominance in the game. Modern-day batting is characterized by power-hitting, aggressive intent, and adaptation to numerous formats. In addition, the mentality of the batters in the modern day has also changed a lot in the past decades, with batters becoming more fearless in their approach. It is due to this mentality that the game has experienced some scintillating innings in the history of the game.

Here are the best cricket innings under pressure:

5. Kapil Dev 175* vs Zimbabwe (1983)

India's skipper Kapil Dev delivered a remarkable century against Zimbabwe during the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Kapil's audacious batting, commencing at 17/5, significantly altered the course of the game. His flawless innings of 175* from 138 balls demonstrated his ability to hit powerful balls and his perseverance, leading India to a total of 266/8. This renowned innings is widely regarded as one of the most exceptional in the history of one-day cricket. The leadership and conviction of Kapil catalyzed India's momentous victory in the World Cup.

4. Rohit Sharma 264 vs Sri Lanka (2017)

Rohit Sharma's outstanding knock in the fourth ODI against  Sri Lanka at the legendary Eden Gardens on November 13, 2014, thrilled cricket fans around the world. Despite getting dropped early on, the India skipper punished the opponents, scoring an incredible 264 runs off 173 balls. His innings, which included 33 boundaries and 9 sixes, powered India to an impressive total of 404/5. Rohit's outstanding performance eclipsed Sri Lanka's overall team score of 251 runs. The Kolkata fans watched a one-of-a-kind show of batting skill as Sharma's unrelenting onslaught propelled India to glory. His innings are remembered in cricket history as one of the most dominating and unforgettable exhibitions of power-hitting as well as resilience, demonstrating Rohit Sharma's potential to single-handedly shift the dynamics of a match. This by far remains the highest individual score in the limited overs format.

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3. AB de Villiers 162 vs West Indies (2015)

AB de Villiers of South Africa demonstrated an outstanding combination of power-hitting and inventiveness vs the West Indies at Sydney Cricket Ground during the 2015 Cricket World Cup. With South Africa struggling at 146/3, de Villiers came in and smashed a mesmerizing unbroken 162* off 66 balls. This inning, characterized by traditional strokes and inventive shots, pushed the limits of limited-overs cricket. Moreover, De Villiers' abilities to effortlessly identify spaces as well as establish boundaries pushed South Africa to an impressive score of 408/5. His century scored in just 52 balls, marking the fastest in the history of the World Cup at the time. This amazing performance cemented de Villiers' status as one of cricket's leading innovators along with entertainers.

2. Sachin Tendulkar 200 vs South Africa (2010)

Sachin Tendulkar created history on February 24, 2010, during the second One-Day International between India and South Africa in Gwalior. India announced a magnificent 401/3, with assistance from MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, and Yusuf Pathan. However, the renowned Indian batsman Tendulkar's unbeaten 200 off 147 balls, comprising 25 fours and three sixes, was the primary cause for India reaching that milestone. This was also the first time a One Day International player has scored a double century. Despite AB De Villiers' remarkable 114, South Africa lost by 153 runs. Tendulkar received the Player of the Match award for his record-breaking innings.

1. Glenn Maxwell 200 vs Afghanistan (2023)

Glenn Maxwell delivered a standout effort in the 2023  World Cup match against Afghanistan at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The legendary Australian batter scored an unbeaten 201 runs off 128 balls, with 21 fours and 10 sixes, for a strike rate of 157.03. Maxwell's amazing effort helped Australia chase down a difficult goal of 292 with 19 balls remaining. Despite Australia's opening difficulties of 91 for 7, Maxwell's outstanding knock turned the game around. Furthermore, his effort secured Australia's place in the semi-finals, becoming the third side to accomplish so after India and South Africa. They even went on to win the World Cup from there onwards