Marcus Stoinis played one of the all-time great ODI innings at Eden Park, but still finished on the losing side
What a knock: the marvels of Marcus
It was an innings that, although it was in a losing cause, set the cricket world talking. Some immaculate ball-striking saw Marcus Stoinis post an unbeaten 146 from just 117 balls in only his second one-day international.
He very nearly single-handedly carried Australia to the most unlikely of victories, only to be cruelly denied when No.11 batsman Josh Hazlewood was run out at the non-strikerβs end, without having faced a ball.
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Hereβs a look at some of the stats and records that made Stonisβs knock one for the ages:
* Only one player has ever produced a higher score at No.7 or lower in an ODI. That was Luke Ronchi's unbeaten 170 against Sri Lanka in 2015.
* Only one player has ever taken three wickets in an ODI and scored more runs in the same match. That was Dave Callaghan's 169 not out, which came in the South African's return from testicular cancer in 1994.
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* Only four Australians have produced a higher score in an ODI that their side lost: Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, David Warner, George Bailey. Australia were not 6-67 in any of those four games.
* Stoinis scored more than half of Australia's total of 280. The allrounder was on 37 after facing 60 deliveries then hammered 90 runs worth of boundaries (six fours and 11 sixes).
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* Stoinis shared a 54-run stand with Josh Hazlewood. It is the third highest final-wicket partnership for Australia. Hazlewood didn't face a single ball and was out for the first time in his 34-ODI career.
How Twitter reacted to Stoinis
@MStoinis that was some serious striking. Well played! Bad luck boys.
β Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) January 30, 2017
That was almost as special as it gets from @MStoinis! One of the most amazing individual performances I've ever seen! #adonis #greatbloke
β Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) January 30, 2017
Unbelievable knock by @MStoinis unlucky to not get the result we wanted but serious stuff from the position we were in. #greatgame
β David Warner (@davidwarner31) January 30, 2017
One of the best knocks you will see. Yet another cracking game of cricket between NZ and Aus! #stoinis #NZvAUS
β Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) January 30, 2017
Take a bow - @MStoinis! Practice with a purpose pays off! Proud of you, Oil! π
β KP (@KP24) January 30, 2017
OH. MY. GOD. I can't believe this #NZvAUS
β Holly Ferling (@Holly_Ferling) January 30, 2017
OMG!! Can't believe that. #Stoinis incredible match and nearly got @CricketAus over the line. Bring on game 2!
β Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) January 30, 2017
Congrats to NZ on the win but what an innings from Marcus Stoinis @CricketAus
β Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) January 30, 2017
Quality all-round performance from @MStoinis nearly pulling off the impossible, it can be a cruel game! 3/49 & 146* #ausvnz #ChappellHadlee
β Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 30, 2017
What a game of cricket that was!! Hats off to @MStoinis for that knock! Onto Napier tomorrow. #ChappellHadlee #NZvsAUS
β Martin Guptill (@Martyguptill) January 30, 2017
Great innings from Stoinis, but what a finish. @BLACKCAPS 1 @CAComms 0. Brilliant!#steadytheship
β Grant Elliott (@grantelliottnz) January 30, 2017
That was close. Awesome batting by Marcus Stoinis #greatgame #ChappellHadlee
β Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) January 30, 2017
What an unbelievable game from @MStoinis... Huge 100* & 3fa. This would be one of the great wins... #NZvAUS
β Trent Copeland (@copes9) January 30, 2017
Oh no... Hazelwood !!! What a finish #ChappellHadlee Take a bow Marcus Stoinis ... unbelievable innings !!! I really did enjoy that game
β Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) January 30, 2017
What a unreal performance by Marcus Stoinis . Wonderful exhibition of clean hitting . Great game of cricket.
β Niall John O Brien (@niallnobiobrien) January 30, 2017