ESPNcricinfo announces their men’s ODI batting nominees

ESPNcricinof the leading website of cricket announce their nominees of best ODI batting. Following players are picked by the ESPNcricinfo based on their performance in men’s ODI world cup 2023.

1. Shubman Gill
2. Heinrich Klaasen
3. Glenn Maxwell
4. Travis Head

Shubman Gill’s spectacular performance in the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad marked a significant turning point in his cricket journey, establishing him as India’s future batting leader. Gill’s remarkable double-century, an unbeaten 208, showcased his prowess as he confidently struck three consecutive sixes off the formidable Lockie Ferguson, one of the world’s fastest bowlers. At the age of 23, Gill made history by becoming the youngest player to achieve a double-hundred in men’s ODIs. Notably, he managed to dispatch even the good deliveries, guiding India to a formidable total of 349 and solidifying his position as the preferred opener in ODI cricket.

Heinrich Klaasen’s outstanding innings of 174 against Australia in the fourth ODI in Centurion elevated him to new heights in international cricket. Despite having excelled in franchise T20 leagues and notching up two ODI centuries previously, this innings was a game-changer for Klaasen. His remarkable score is the highest by a South African batter outside the top four in ODI cricket. Klaasen’s aggressive approach, especially against legspinner Adam Zampa, where he scored 50 off 17 balls at a strike rate of 294, propelled South Africa beyond 400, leading to a series-levelling 164-run victory.

In another standout performance, Klaasen delivered a crucial knock of 109 against England in the World Cup at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Enduring the intense heat, Klaasen initially played a steady innings before accelerating with a brilliant 61 off the next 27 balls after the fall of David Miller. His aggressive batting powered South Africa to an imposing total of 399 for 7, setting the stage for England’s biggest ODI defeat in terms of runs and putting South Africa back on track for the semi-finals.

Glenn Maxwell’s heroics against Afghanistan in the World Cup in Mumbai remain etched in cricket history. Facing a daunting situation with Australia at 91 for 7 in the 19th over while chasing 292, Maxwell orchestrated a remarkable turnaround with an unbeaten 201 off 128 balls. Despite battling cramps and muscle spasms, Maxwell relied on sheer hand-eye coordination to launch boundaries. His double-century, the first in a chase in 4696 ODIs, was deemed by ESPNcricinfo’s Smart Stats as worth 298 runs in the context of the game. Australia captain Pat Cummins lauded Maxwell’s innings as the greatest in ODI cricket.

Travis Head’s sensational innings of 137 in the World Cup final against India in Ahmedabad sealed Australia’s sixth ODI World Cup title. Following a match-winning fifty in the semi-final against South Africa, Head’s aggressive approach and ability to capitalize on the older ball proved crucial. Despite early challenges against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, Head silenced the 90,000-strong crowd with his impactful performance, hitting 19 boundaries in contrast to India’s 16 in the entire innings. Australia achieved the target with seven overs to spare, securing a memorable victory in the World Cup final.