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Five-time champions Australia secured a thrilling victory over Afghanistan, securing a spot in the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals with a remarkable performance on Tuesday, November 7. The electrifying match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium witnessed an extraordinary display of batting by all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who staged a heroic rescue with an unbeaten 201 runs off just 128 balls.
Maxwell's stellar innings proved crucial as Australia found themselves in a tough situation, struggling at 91/7 in the 19th over. Despite battling severe cramps that kept him unable to take quick singles or doubles in the final stretch of his knock, Maxwell's unwavering determination propelled him to deliver an awe-inspiring performance, comprising 21 fours and 10 sixes.
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Former Pakistani cricketer Wasim Akram expressed his profound admiration for Maxwell's exceptional innings, hailing it as a display worthy of legendary status. Speaking on A Sports, Akram emphasised the sheer grit exhibited by Maxwell, highlighting the excruciating pain of cramps and the perseverance required to continue playing under such circumstances.
"One-man show, stuff of the legends. There is a saying, one guy can't win you a game and obviously what an absolute lie. You have to have heart, to keep on playing despite having cramps. They are very very painful and they do not get away," Akram said.
In addition to Maxwell's heroics, Australia's captain Pat Cummins also played a pivotal role in the team's victory by providing crucial support from the other end. Cummins remained unbeaten at 12 off 68 balls, intelligently ensuring that Australia didn't suffer further setbacks. Akram lauded Cummins for his astute game awareness, acknowledging his selfless approach in giving the strike to the in-form Maxwell.
"You have to credit the captain as well. When you talk about situation awareness, that what exactly what he did. 12 runs off 68 balls, he was giving the strike to his main player and he (Maxwell) showed the world, that he is the best one day player right now in world cricket. This is unbelievable, I have never heard of this kind of knock before. I have played cricket for 20 years, worked in cricket for another 20 years and I have never seen anything like this before," Akram said on Cummins and Maxwell's innings.
The unlikely win took Australia to third place, having won six straight in a row. They will now face South Africa in the semifinals.
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