Marcus Stoinis, known for his powerful batting, handy bowling, and versatility, has been a key player for Australia in One Day Internationals (ODIs). As he announces his retirement from ODIs, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his amazing career.
Stoinis has provided some unforgettable moments for Australian cricket fans, and here’s a look at the Top 10 Memorable Moments of Marcus Stoinis’ ODI Career.
1. Maiden ODI Century Against New Zealand
One of the standout moments in Stoinis’ career came in January 2017 when he scored his maiden ODI century. Playing against New Zealand, Stoinis smashed an unbeaten 146*, which remains one of the best performances by an Australian lower-order batsman. His knock, including 13 fours and 8 sixes, guided Australia to victory and made him a household name.
2. Match-Winning Performance in the 2019 World Cup
Stoinis was a vital part of Australia’s journey to the semi-finals of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. He contributed with both bat and ball in crucial games. Despite some injury concerns, Stoinis’ all-round performances were a key factor in Australia’s success during the tournament, and his resilience under pressure was much appreciated by fans.
3. Record-Breaking Knock in the Big Bash League
Stoinis set a new record in the Big Bash League on January 12, 2020, when he scored a brilliant 147* off 79 balls for Melbourne Stars against Sydney Sixers. This knock is still the highest individual score in BBL history. It showed Stoinis’ explosive batting ability and confirmed his status as one of the most dangerous hitters in T20 cricket.
4. Career-Best IPL Performance
In April 2023, Stoinis delivered his career-best performance in the Indian Premier League. Playing for Lucknow Super Giants, he scored 72 off 40 balls against Punjab Kings. His knock, which included 6 fours and 5 sixes, was crucial in setting up a big total for his team and helped them secure an important win.
5. Key Contribution to the 2021 T20 World Cup
Stoinis was also a key part of Australia’s victory in the 2021 T20 World Cup. His most memorable moment came during the semi-final against Pakistan, where he scored a match-winning 40* to help Australia chase down a tricky total. His performance in the final, too, was essential in Australia’s first-ever T20 World Cup win.
6. All-Round Performance Against India
In 2016, Stoinis displayed his all-round talent in a crucial ODI against India. Coming in at number six, he scored a vital 50 runs and also took key wickets. His contribution helped Australia win a tight match, proving his importance as a reliable all-rounder in the team.
7. Record-Breaking IPL Knock
On April 23, 2024, Stoinis played another record-breaking IPL innings. He scored an unbeaten 124* off 63 balls for Lucknow Super Giants during a run-chase against Chennai Super Kings. His innings, which included 13 fours and 6 sixes, set a new record for the highest individual score during a run-chase in IPL history, further cementing his place as a top T20 player.
8. Consistent Performances in the 2023 Cricket World Cup
Stoinis was a vital part of Australia’s squad in the 2023 Cricket World Cup. He delivered consistent performances with both bat and ball, helping Australia progress through the tournament. His all-round abilities were crucial in several close matches, and he continued to show his value to the team as an experienced performer in major tournaments.
9. All-round display in the ODI Series Against England
In the 2018 ODI series against England, Stoinis played a key role in helping Australia win important matches. He contributed with both bat and ball, scoring crucial runs and taking key wickets. His performances in this series helped Australia stay competitive in a tough battle against a strong English side.
10. Leadership Role in Domestic Competitions
Beyond international cricket, Stoinis also proved his leadership skills. He captained Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, where he showed great tactical understanding and led the team with maturity. His leadership and ability to inspire his teammates were crucial to the team’s success in the competition.
Conclusion
Marcus Stoinis’ retirement from ODIs marks the end of an era in Australian cricket. From his match-winning performances to his record-breaking knocks, Stoinis has been one of the most exciting all-rounders in world cricket.
His impact on the game will not be forgotten, and these Top 10 Moments are just a glimpse of the many contributions he made to Australian cricket. While his ODI career may be over, Stoinis’ legacy as one of the game’s great all-rounders will live on.
