5 of the best ODI cameos of 2017 

Ever since the advent of One-Day International cricket, batsmen have been groomed to play the ball on merit, meaning lofted shots were almost non-existent during the early 90s. Youngsters were advised to play along the carpet, and focus more on timing and placement.

As the 50-over format went through various transformations during the early 2000s, the approach of modern batsmen changed dramatically. Totals in excess of 300 were easily amassed, and batsmen had no second thoughts in going for big hits. With the introduction of T20 cricket in 2005, the game started to heavily tilt in the favor of big hitters.

This slam-bang approach resulted in the emergence of utility players, who could come in and play short-lived cameos. These quickfire runs played a huge role in determining the outcome of the match whilst also providing quality entertainment to the audience.

On that note, let us take a look at some swashbuckling cameos played this calendar year:

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#5 Chris Gayle (40 off 29 balls vs England, West Indies tour of England)

Chris Gayle recently became the first man on the planet to score 20 centuries in each of the three formats, reiterating his credentials as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. He is also one of very few batsmen to have scored an international century in all formats of the game.

The "Universe Boss", as he is fondly called, earned a recall to the West Indies ODI squad during their tour of England in September. In the 5th ODI at Southampton, he scored a quickfire 40 off just 29 balls, including five huge sixes. He gave his side a blazing start in almost all the matches and continued the onslaught in the T20I series that followed.

Gayle, with that knock, silenced his critics in the most stunning manner possible.

#4 Asela Gunaratne (34 off 21 balls vs India, ICC Champions Trophy 2017)

Asela Gunaratne has been the lone bright spot for Sri Lanka cricket in recent times. Gunaratne was at the forefront of Sri Lanka's historic T20I series win Down Under, helping the side cross the line on more than one occasion.

His best moment this year came during the Champions Trophy clash against India at The Oval, where he applied the finishing touches to Sri Lanka's record chase of 322. He scored a quickfire 34 off just 21 balls, including a brilliant swept six off Jasprit Bumrah. He often shuffled around the crease, making things incredibly difficult for the bowlers.

#3 Moeen Ali (48 off 25 balls vs West Indies, West Indies tour of England)

Moeen Ali has transformed himself into a reliable all-rounder for England in all formats of the game. During the fourth ODI against the West Indies at The Oval, Moeen blasted 48 off 25 balls, after England were set a daunting target of 357.

Evin Lewis scored a brilliant 176 for the visitors, but they were undone by a blitzkrieg from Moeen and Jos Buttler. Earlier in the series, Moeen had blasted a 53-ball hundred at Bristol, the second fastest by an Englishman.

#2 Glenn Maxwell (39 off 18 balls against India, Australia tour of India)

Maxwell in action

Glenn Maxwell has to be one of the hardest hitters of the cricket ball, and he packs a punch with his unique batting style. Maxwell has been fairly inconsistent for Australia, blowing hot and cold throughout his career.

However, he showed his range against India during an ODI at Chennai, where he blasted 39 runs off just 18 balls. Australia were chasing a rain-curtailed target and Maxwell blazed away like a runaway train. He was particularly severe on Kuldeep Yadav, hitting him for three sixes in one over.

#1 Hardik Pandya (20 off 6 balls vs Pakistan, ICC Champions Trophy 2017)

Hardik Pandya was touted to be the next best thing in Indian cricket, possessing all the characteristics needed to be a great bowling all-rounder. However, he flattered to deceive during his initial matches and was fairly inconsistent across formats.

Pandya though silenced the naysayers in a game against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Champions Trophy group stage. Pandya joined captain Virat Kohli in the middle as India were looking to finish their innings with a flourish.

In the last over bowled by Imad Wasim, Pandya smashed three consecutive sixes to propel the score to 319/3. India went into the break with confidence, and this reflected in their spirited bowling performance.

Moreover, Pandya was also India's lone warrior in the final, scoring a brilliant 76 off 43 balls. While India lost the game, Pandya's stock grew incredibly after that knock.