AFG Vs AUS, ODI World Cup 2023: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, in a historic ODI performance, delivered one of the most extraordinary knocks ever in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Afghanistan on November 7 (Tuesday) at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Maxwell achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first player in the history of ODI cricket to score a double century while chasing a target.
Maxwell single-handedly rescued the Australian innings when they were struggling at 91/7 in the 19th over, completely altering the course of the match. Despite battling cramps and back spasms that hindered his movement let alone his running, Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 runs from just 128 balls, propelling Australia to the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup. The cricketing community was left in shock and awe by his performance, and many took to social media to express their amazement at Maxwell's incredible achievement.
The day after this remarkable feat, Maxwell expressed his gratitude on X ( formerly Twitter), acknowledging the overwhelming support and praising his teammate Pat Cummins for his crucial role in the match.
He stated, “Pretty overwhelmed with all the love. Thank you so much to everyone that has sent messages. Pat Cummins was amazing out there! Sorry I knocked back a couple. Time to get back to dad duties.”
In the match against Afghanistan, Australia executed a remarkable comeback. After being reduced to 91/7, they secured victory with 3 wickets and 19 balls to spare. Despite suffering from cramps during his extraordinary double century, Maxwell's captain, Pat Cummins, played a crucial anchoring role, ensuring wickets didn't fall at the other end.
Cummins scored 12 not out off 68 balls and, in doing so, established the highest 8th-wicket partnership in the history of ODI cricket. The duo, comprising Maxwell and Cummins, shared an unbroken partnership of 202 runs, surpassing the previous record held by Justin Kemp and Andrew Hall against India in 2006 (138*).
Maxwell's incredible innings garnered praise from cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram, who took to Twitter to express their admiration for his performance citing his knock as the best they have ever witnessed in white-ball cricket.
Indian star batsman, Virat Kohli, also took to social media to express his praise for his Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Glenn Maxwell.
“Only you could do this. Freak @g_maxi32,” wrote Kohli on an Instagram story for Maxwell.
With their place in the tournament's semi-finals secured, Australia still have one group stage match left, where they will face Bangladesh on November 11 (Saturday).