Glenn Maxwell's astonishing double century, a masterful 201 not out, propelled Australia to a dramatic win against Afghanistan in the World Cup 2023, a match that unfolded in Mumbai. Despite the staggering achievement, Sourav Ganguly, the esteemed former captain of India and past president of the BCCI, stopped short of declaring it the best ODI (One Day International) innings ever played.
"They (Afghanistan) have been playing really well, they should have won that match, with all due respect to Maxwell. He has played an absolute blinder," Ganguly told reporters in Kolkata on the sidelines of Delhi Capitals' training camp in Kolkata.
"Fantastic innings, not the greatest of bowling and captaincy (from Afghanistan), but fantastic.
"No, no (would you rate this as the greatest innings in ODIs?). I have seen some fantastic innings from Sachin, from Virat. I have seen some fabulous innings. This is tremendous because of the situation he was in, because of the cramps, he couldn't run. He was batting with the No. 9 (8), he kept hitting sixes. But Virat and Sachin also have played some great innings," Ganguly added.
Maxwell's innings, which he crafted from a mere 128 balls featuring 21 boundaries and 10 maximums, single-handedly steered Australia from a precarious position of 92 for 7 to victory, chasing down Afghanistan's respectable total of 291. This performance has been etched in history as only the third double hundred in World Cup ODIs, joining the legendary ranks of Chris Gayle and Martin Guptill.
Cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar hailed Maxwell's innings as the finest ODI performance he's witnessed, solidifying its status as a classic. On the field, Maxwell battled through severe cramps, pushing his endurance to the edge. He chose to continue batting despite visible discomfort and a moment where pain brought him to the ground, showcasing a commendable spirit of perseverance.
The Australian maverick's explosive batting was complemented by a critical partnership with Captain Pat Cummins, with whom he amassed a match-winning eighth-wicket stand of 202 runs. Cummins was among those who praised Maxwell's knock as the greatest in ODI history, while Ravi Shastri, the former coach of India, referred to the innings as "stunning".
The match wasn't just a display of Maxwell's individual brilliance but also a testament to the resilience and depth of the Australian team. Their ability to bounce back from a difficult situation speaks volumes of their championship pedigree, particularly in the World Cup context.
Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, currently the Director of Cricket at Delhi Capitals, was engaged in the team's training camp activities.
Maxwell's record-setting innings will be remembered as a defining moment of the 2023 World Cup. It wasn't just a display of brute power but also of strategic finesse and a relentless will to win. This innings is sure to inspire countless cricket enthusiasts and aspiring cricketers for generations to come.
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