Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell delivered a memorable performance during the ongoing ODI World Cup in India. Maxwell, batting at number six for the five-time World Cup-winning side, played an outstanding innings against Afghanistan, scoring 201 runs off 128 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes. His remarkable effort single-handedly guided the team to the target of 293 runs in 46.5 overs, securing Australia's spot as the third team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup 2023.
The Cummins-Maxwell partnership proved pivotal, adding 202 runs for the eighth wicket and marking Maxwell as the first batter to score a double century in an ODI run chase. Additionally, Maxwell became the first Australian batter to achieve this milestone. Despite struggling with cramps for most of the innings, Maxwell exhibited unwavering determination, leading the team to victory with a decisive six.
Virat Kohli, the superstar batter for Team India, also applauded Maxwell's performance. Having shared the dressing room with Maxwell in the IPL, Kohli took to Instagram to commend his fellow player, writing, "Only you could have done this." The global audience has highly praised Maxwell's exceptional display at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.
At one point, the Australian team found themselves struggling at 91 runs for 7 wickets, with the match seemingly slipping away. Requiring over 200 runs, Maxwell's relentless attacking shots put pressure on Afghanistan's bowlers, keeping them on the back foot. Despite enduring cramps, Maxwell continued to unleash powerful shots, and neither Cummins nor Maxwell succumbed to the Afghan bowlers' attempts to claim their wickets.
Speaking after the match, skipper Cummins revealed a conversation between the physiotherapist and Maxwell. "I thought he was going off. So, I kind of signalled to Zamps (Adam Zampa) to get down here cause yeah, he (Maxwell) literally couldn't move and then I think the physio was out there obviously. He kind of convinced Maxi that if he came off, it might be worse off. So, try and hang out there, stand up, and that's probably your best bet,” he said.
"Because once you go off it's that much cramp but there's no guarantee you're going to get back out there.”
Australia booked their spot in the World Cup 2023 semi-finals with their famous win over Afghanistan. They have 12 points from eight games and will face South Africa in the semifinals.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
World Cup: While Glenn Maxwell laps up the accolades, Pat Cummins' supporting innings of 12 runs in 11 overs lauded by fans
Watch: Video of Glenn Maxwell imitating Tendulkar in nets goes viral after sensational double century at his home ground
