Glenn Maxwell’s 10 Greatest International Performances: The Big Show’s Most Memorable Moments

Glenn Maxwell’s retirement from international cricket has brought the curtain down on one of the most entertaining careers in modern cricket. Nicknamed “The Big Show”, the Australian all-rounder combined fearless batting, unconventional strokeplay and useful off-spin to produce unforgettable performances across Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is).

Maxwell represented Australia in seven Tests, 149 ODIs and 130 T20Is. He scored 3,990 ODI runs and 2,897 T20I runs, while helping Australia win the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

From a historic double century to remarkable T20I run chases, here are ten of Glenn Maxwell’s most memorable international performances.

1. 201* vs Afghanistan – 2023 ODI World Cup

Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan at the 2023 ODI World Cup is widely regarded as the defining innings of his international career.

Australia were chasing 292 in Mumbai but had collapsed to 91/7. Maxwell, battling severe cramps, produced an extraordinary counterattack to guide Australia to a three-wicket victory.

He scored 201 not out from 128 balls, hitting 21 fours and 10 sixes. His partnership with Pat Cummins, who contributed just 12 not out, helped Australia complete one of the most remarkable chases in World Cup history.

Also Read: Glenn Maxwell Retires from International Cricket After 14-Year Career

2. 145* vs Sri Lanka – 2016 T20I

Maxwell delivered a breathtaking performance in the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Pallekele in 2016.

Opening the batting, he smashed an unbeaten 145 from 65 balls, including 14 fours and nine sixes. Australia posted 263/3, then a record T20I total, and won the match by 85 runs.

The innings demonstrated Maxwell’s ability to dominate an international bowling attack from the opening overs.

3. 113* vs India – 2019 T20I

Maxwell produced another memorable T20I chase against India in Bengaluru in February 2019.

India had scored 190, with Virat Kohli making 72. Australia were under pressure at 22/2 before Maxwell took control of the chase.

He struck an unbeaten 113 from 55 balls, including seven fours and nine sixes, to lead Australia to a seven-wicket win with two balls remaining. The innings was one of Maxwell’s most impressive displays of controlled aggression in a run chase.

4. 104 vs India – 2017 Test, Ranchi

Maxwell’s only Test century came against India in Ranchi during the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

On a challenging surface, he scored 104 from 185 balls, showing patience and discipline that contrasted with his reputation as a white-ball aggressor.

Maxwell shared a substantial partnership with captain Steve Smith, helping Australia reach 451 in the first innings. The match ended in a draw, but the century demonstrated Maxwell’s ability to adapt to the demands of Test cricket.

5. 102 vs Sri Lanka – 2015 ODI World Cup

Maxwell announced himself as a major force in international cricket with a rapid century against Sri Lanka at the 2015 ODI World Cup.

He reached three figures in just 51 balls, finishing with 102 from 53 deliveries. His innings included 10 fours and four sixes, helping Australia build a strong total at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The knock highlighted Maxwell’s explosive batting and became one of the standout performances of Australia’s successful 2015 World Cup campaign.

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6. 106 vs Netherlands – 2023 ODI World Cup

Maxwell set a new benchmark for World Cup batting with his 40-ball century against the Netherlands in New Delhi in 2023.

He scored 106 from 44 deliveries, striking nine fours and eight sixes. His innings helped Australia post a commanding total and secure a comprehensive victory.

The century became the fastest in men’s ODI World Cup history, underlining Maxwell’s ability to turn a match with a short burst of extraordinary hitting.

7. 120* vs West Indies – 2024 T20I

Maxwell produced another remarkable T20I century against the West Indies in 2024.

He scored an unbeaten 120 from 55 balls, helping Australia post a formidable total. The innings was his fifth T20I century, drawing him level with Rohit Sharma for the most hundreds in men’s T20I cricket at that time.

The performance showed that Maxwell remained a match-winner in the shortest format even late in his international career.

8. 108 vs England – 2020 ODI

Maxwell played a crucial role in Australia’s ODI chase against England in Manchester in 2020.

Australia were struggling at 73/5 while chasing a target above 300. Maxwell combined with Alex Carey to rebuild the innings, with the pair putting together a 212-run partnership.

Maxwell scored 108 from 90 balls, helping Australia complete a memorable victory. The innings demonstrated his ability to shift from power-hitting to a more measured approach when the situation demanded it.

9. 62* vs South Africa – 2025 T20I

One of Maxwell’s final international highlights came against South Africa in the T20I series decider in Cairns in 2025.

Australia were chasing 173 and had slipped to 88/4. Maxwell scored an unbeaten 62 from 36 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes to guide his team to a narrow two-wicket victory.

He sealed the win with a boundary off the penultimate ball, helping Australia claim the series 2-1.

10. 2/41 vs Pakistan – 2014 ODI

Maxwell’s contribution with the ball also produced one of Australia’s most dramatic ODI victories.

In Abu Dhabi in 2014, Pakistan were chasing 231 and needed only two runs from the final over with two wickets remaining. Maxwell was handed the ball and delivered a remarkable double-wicket maiden.

He dismissed Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Irfan, helping Australia win by one run on the final delivery. The performance showed that Maxwell could influence international matches with more than just his batting.

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Glenn Maxwell’s International Legacy

Maxwell’s career was defined by creativity, courage and an ability to produce extraordinary moments. His unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan remains the most iconic, but his record also includes rapid World Cup centuries, match-winning T20I chases, a Test hundred and crucial bowling contributions.

He was part of three World Cup-winning Australian teams and helped redefine the possibilities of middle-order batting in white-ball cricket.

Maxwell’s retirement closes a memorable chapter in Australian cricket. However, his impact will continue to be felt through the performances that inspired fans and players around the world.

Conclusion

Glenn Maxwell’s ten greatest international performances reflect the many dimensions of his game. From the historic 201* against Afghanistan to his 145* in Pallekele and his remarkable T20I run chases, Maxwell consistently delivered cricket that was both thrilling and match-defining.

“The Big Show” may have retired from international cricket, but his unforgettable innings will remain part of the sport’s modern history.