It has been an incredible night at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It was the Glenn Maxwell show, who played a once-in-a-lifetime knock to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat against Afghanistan. From 91/7 in 18.3 overs, and Australia needed another 202 to win.
No one saw it coming, not even the Australian team. But then came Glenn Maxwell with his extraordinary abilities and shot-making, which he does on the cricket field, and the world witnessed probably the best innings in an ODI chase. Maxwell broke multiple records during his knock.
He became the first Australian batter to score an ODI double hundred and registered the highest score in a run chase. Maxwell remained unbeaten on 201 off 128 balls, with 21 fours and 10 sixes, and added an unbeaten 202 runs for the 8th wicket to seal an impossible deal for Australia.
With this win, Australia has now become the third team to qualify for the semi-final. They have won six matches in a row, and this was certainly one to remember. Reacting to this incredible knock by Maxwell, English test captain Ben Stokes took to Twitter (now X) and praised the innings.
My goodness Maxi 😮😮😮
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) November 7, 2023
He wrote, “My Goodness Maxi.” Notably, Stokes himself is famous for playing some extraordinary innings under pressure and has done it quite often for England. Today, it was all Glenn Maxwell, who took Australia home. Australia made 293/7 in 46.5 overs and won the game.
Maxwell won the Man of the Match for his incredible innings. He also became the third batter to score a double century on the World Cup stage. On the other hand, it was heartbreak for Afghanistan, as they came so close but yet so far. This win would have given them a fair chance to make it to the semis. Though they can still make it, that looks pretty tough.
