In a thrilling group match of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Mumbai, India, Glenn Maxwell shocked Afghanistan by helping Australia secure a three-wicket victory.
During this encounter, Maxwell played one of the most remarkable innings in the history of the World Cup, smashing an incredible unbeaten double-century. The 35-year-old Australian batsman terrorized Afghanistan’s bowlers, hitting them all around the field, and in partnership with captain Pat Cummins, snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Maxwell came to the crease when Australia was struggling at 49-4, with Josh Inglis having just been dismissed for a golden duck. However, Maxwell had a couple of lifelines as Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mujeeb ur Rehman dropped him.
Initially, Afghanistan’s bowlers posed a serious threat to the Australian batsmen, and victory seemed distant. Still, Maxwell single-handedly turned the tables, showing no mercy to Shahidi’s team with his powerful right-handed batting.
Cummins provided valuable support to Maxwell, playing a composed and sensible innings, contributing 12 runs from 68 balls.
During the match, Maxwell battled cramps, and in the final overs, he struggled to run and played shots without using footwork.
Glenn Maxwell achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first batter to score a double century in a chase in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and also the first player to score two centuries in a World Cup edition while batting at No. 5 or lower.
In the first innings, Ibrahim Zadran stood out as he became the first Afghan batsman to score a century in the history of the World Cup. While other Afghan batters failed to make substantial contributions, Zadran opened the innings and remained at the crease until the end, helping Afghanistan set a competitive total.
Rashid Khan played a crucial role during the last five overs, contributing a rapid 35 runs from just 18 deliveries, including two fours and three sixes. Other notable contributors to Afghanistan included Rahmat Shah (30), captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (26), and Azmatullah Omarzai (22).
Among the Australian bowlers, Josh Hazlewood was the standout performer, as he conceded only 39 runs in nine overs and claimed two important wickets.
Looking ahead, Afghanistan will face another crucial must-win match against South Africa on November 9, while Australia will take on Bangladesh on November 11 in their final group match.
