Starting from a challenging position of 91 for 7, Australia produced an incredible comeback to clinch their place in the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup tournament. Despite suffering from cramping, Glenn Maxwell put up an unbelievable effort, scoring 201 runs off 128 deliveries and securing the match with a six to complete his extraordinary double-century. Pat Cummins produced an unbroken 12 runs from 68 balls in pursuit of the target of 292, ultimately helping the team to victory.
There were incredible scenes on the cricket field as Australia and Afghanistan had everyone on the edge of their seats. Afghan bowlers bowled brilliantly to have the Aussies on the ropes with 7 wickets down. It looked like an upset in the making, with an easy win for Afghanistan. But then came the hurricane Maxwell, who single-handedly turned the tide with an iconic knock and confirmed the semi-final berth for Australia with a memorable win. Maxwell’s incredible batting has got to be one of the best ODI knocks ever. Truly magnificent and unforgettable batting display as the 35-year-old batter became the first Aussie cricketer to hit a double ton.
Maxwell was collapsed. He staggered through for his 147th run, the 35th single of his inning, and slumped onto the Wankhede field, clutching his hamstring and clenching his face in misery. Maxwell jerked on the ground as his muscles strained and spasmed, his movements uncontrollable as his lower body took on a consciousness of its own. While attempting to calm Maxwell, Australia’s physiotherapist Nick Jones stressed that if he walked off, it would be tough to get back on.
Adam Zampa came down the change-room steps in the distance, eager to take Maxwell’s place. That’s when he determined it wasn’t going to happen. Maxwell was down, but he wasn’t out, and he wasn’t about to choose to be.
Earlier, Ibrahim Zadran became Afghanistan’s first-ever batter to hit a century in the World Cups. Zadran’s brilliant knock of unbeaten 129 and decent contributions from other batters helped Afghanistan to reach a defendable 291/5 in 50 overs. But Maxwell stole the show and became the hero of the night with his blistering batting.
Horrific and I feel shocked. It was obviously quite hot when we were fielding today, and I haven’t really done a whole lot of high-intensity exercise in the heat, and it certainly got a hold of me today. We came out with a plan to stay at the same end for a little bit until I could get some movement back, and luckily enough I was able to stick it out to the end, Maxwell said while receiving the Player of the Match award.
