Follow UsWhat Glenn Maxwell did on Tuesday (November 7) in Mumbai was out of this world. The Big Show had all the luck he needed and ended up playing arguably the best knock in the history of ODI cricket. The right-hander smoked 201* off 128 deliveries, studded with 21 fours and 10 sixes, and helped Australia chase down a target of 292 against Afghanistan after being reduced to 91/7. With this win, Australia cemented their place in the semis of the 2023 World Cup.
Maxwell was struggling with cramps for half of his innings, but that didn’t stop him from slamming the highest individual score for Australia. He became the first non-opener to smash a double century and also registered the highest individual score in an ODI run-chase. Maxwell was dropped, survived a close lbw call, but played some outrageous shots to take Australia home.
Talking about his knock, Maxwell said: “It was hot while fielding today, I haven't done a lot of exercise in the heat, it got a hold on me today. I wanted to stay back and get some movement (on my legs). Not too much (when asked about plans at 92/7), just stick to the batting plans as much as possible, for me, still be positive, still look to play my shots. That LBW, it was going just above (the stumps), probably made me be more proactive.
“A hint of swing and nip (off the surface), as it happens here under lights, they bowled beautifully to exploit that. It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock, but I had my chances, to make the most of it tonight was something I can be proud of. Amazing, after the first two games, people were quick to write us off. The belief was always there (as a team), after today, it would have gone a bit higher.”
Australia, who lost their first two games, have now won six in a row and are going to the semis. Maxwell did all the work, but skipper Pat Cummins also played his part. Cummins scored 12* off 68 deliveries and put on an unbeaten 202-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
“Ridiculous. Don't know how to describe it. Great win! It has got to be the greatest thing that has ever happened. One of those days people will say yeah, I was at the stadium for this game. He (Maxwell) was great, he was calm. He always had a plan. Even from 200 behind to be able to win the game that way, it was really special,” said Cummins.
“It’s important to remember you can win from anywhere. Real belief in the team and we are in the semi-finals now, that's great. (On what they could do better) Don't think it is the time and the place, I'm going to pause that. I think the toss is a bit tricky out here, the first 20 overs are key. Obviously, there are things we could have done better.”
Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi couldn’t believe what transpired in front of his eyes. They had Australia on the mat and were taking one major step towards the semis, but then Maxwell happened. He did offer enough chances but Afghanistan couldn’t capitalise. Despite the defeat, Shahidi heaped heavy praise on Ibrahim Zadran (143-ball 129*), who became the first Afghanistan player to score a World Cup century.
“Very disappointed. Cricket is a funny game, it was unbelievable for us. We were in the game, our bowlers started very well, but the dropped chances hurt us. After that, Maxwell didn't stop, he played every kind of shot and I can give credit to him. I think the dropped catches were the key, after that Maxwell played really well.
“Our bowlers tried their best but he didn't give any chance to us. Proud of the team, but we will be disappointed tonight. We didn't think it would be this way, it’s part of the game. This is cricket. We will try to come back strong against South Africa. He (Ibrahim Zadran) must be proud of himself, I am also proud that he is the first Afghan with a World Cup hundred.”
Afghanistan are still not out of the World Cup. If they can defeat South Africa and a couple of other results go in their favour, Afghanistan could still make it to the semis.