AUS v AFG, World Cup 2023: Glenn Maxwell 201 not out helps Australia snatch miraculous victory and seal semifinal spot

Glenn Maxwell produced one of the knocks of the World Cup to help Australia snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against a spirited Afghanistan side.

In Mumbai on Tuesday, November 7. Maxwell, battling cramps and riding his luck, hit 201 not out in 128 balls as he single-handedly steered Australia from 91 for 7 to successfully chase down 292, their highest in the history of the 50-over tournament.

With the magical win at the Wankhede Stadium, Australia sealed their spot in the semi-finals, taking their tally to 12 points in 8 matches in World Cup 2023.

Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins stitched a 202-run partnership, out of which the Australian captain made 12 runs in 68 balls. While Maxwell’s 201 not out got the stamp of the ‘greatest ever ODI knock’ from the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram, Cummins’s knock was as important as he held one end after Australia’s top-order was blown away.

Maxwell also became the first batter to hit a double hundred during a run chase in ODI cricket history. Glenn Maxwell broke David Warner’s record for the highest score by an Australian as he raced past 178 (which also came against Afghanistan in 2015) as Afghanistan suffered a heartbreak, crumbling under the pressure of the onslaught.

Maxwell’s knock was reminiscent of Kapil Dev’s 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup as he single-handedly rekindled the team’s hope after it looked like done and dusted. Maxwell hit 10 sixes and 21 boundaries as he produced a knock for the ages.

Maxwell did not throw in the towel as Australia showcased their never-say-die-attitude once again at the biggest stage. The all-rounder was battling cramps and he needed the physio’s attention multiple times, but he did not want to leave the field in a great show of courage.

Maxwell walked into the middle at the Wankhede Stadium when Afghanistan had their tails up and gunning for wickets. He was facing a hat-trick ball in the first delivery he faced and a faint outside edge saved him and denied Azmatullah Omarzai a hat-trick in the 9th over.

Australia were 49 for 4 and Afghanistan were nearly halfway toward pulling off one of the greatest World Cup upsets. Afghanistan had held their nerves wonderfully well to win 4 out of their first 7 matches in World Cup 2023, berating former champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the Maxwell storm swept them away.

Afghanistan managed to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne and Marcus Stoinis cheaply and had Australia reeling before Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins scripted the magical 202-run partnership. Cummins managed just 12 runs in 68 balls but he played a crucial role, hanging around with Maxwell, watching the carnage from the best seat in the house.

The mood in the Afghanistan dressing changed dramatically as they were so close to one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup when Australia were reeling at 91 for 7. The smiles on the faces of the players and the support staff members in the Afghanistan camp disappeared and as they joined the millions who were watching Maxwell’s heroics with disbelief.

Maxwell hit the winning runs with a huge six as he helped Australia complete the chase in 46.5 overs. Maxwell hit 3 sixes and a boundary in the final over of the match as he got a standing ovation from the crowd.

IMPESSIVE AFGHANISTAN WITH BAT

Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat, sealing the early advantage in the crunch World Cup fixture. They lost big-hitter Rahmanullah Gurbaz early to Josh Hazlewood but Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah took on the onus of making sure there weren’t anymore hiccups in the first 10 overs.

Ibrahim and Rahmat added 83 runs for the 2nd wicket in more than a run-a-ball before the latter was dismissed by part-timer Glenn Maxwell in the 25th over.

Before Tuesday, India and South Africa had posted totals in excess of 350 in the last 3 matches played at the venue. However, Afghanistan did not let that add to their temptation as they were focused on preserving wickets for the end and did not let the scoreboard lure them into taking too many risks.

Ibrahim was at his stroke-making best as he cut down risks and kept the scorers busy. Afghanistan reached 195 for 3 at the end of 40 overs after a handy knock from Hashmatullah Shahidi.

And in the last 10 overs, Afghanistan made best use of the wickets in hand with the likes of Azmat and Rashid Khan going after the Australian bowlers. Rashid, who survived a controversial caught behind appeal in the 49th over, was at his big-hitting best in the final over as he finished with 35 not out from just 18 balls.