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Australia’s recent World Cup victory over Afghanistan was an unforgettable display of perseverance, skill, and grit, all embodied by all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Coming to bat at a perilous 49 for 4, Maxwell was thrust into a high-stakes scenario after Australia’s top order crumbled under Afghanistan’s intense bowling attack. Australia, needing 292 runs to clinch a win, was facing an uphill battle, especially as wickets continued to fall, and the team found itself reeling at 91 for 7. With the scorecard looking bleak, Maxwell took to the crease with unwavering determination, soon facing the challenges of batting through severe cramps and physical pain.
Afghanistan’s bowlers capitalized early on, with Naveen-ul-Haq striking immediately to dismiss Travis Head for a duck. Azmatullah Omarzai added to the pressure by taking consecutive wickets, reducing Australia to 49 for 4. With limited batting support, Maxwell needed to focus on survival and then on the counterattack, facing a hat-trick ball and aggressive bowling aimed at finishing the game early. Amid worsening conditions and after sustaining a cramp that immobilized him, Maxwell found it increasingly difficult to run and chose to minimize singles to preserve his energy. Instead, he relied on his impeccable timing and raw power, smashing 21 boundaries and 10 sixes throughout his innings.
Maxwell’s innings was characterized not only by impressive power but also by his strategic approach. Initially taking his time to get his eye in, he steadily accelerated, pushing Australia closer to the target. His resilience became apparent as he continuously unleashed boundaries despite being nearly immobile, handling the situation with minimal support from non-striker Pat Cummins, who focused on holding his end defensively. Cummins’ contribution, though scoring just 12 runs off 68 balls, was critical as it allowed Maxwell to launch his attack, ultimately culminating in a score of 201 runs off 128 balls.
Maxwell’s performance wasn’t just statistically extraordinary; it broke multiple records. He became the first Australian to score a double century in ODI cricket and the first player to reach a double ton while chasing in a World Cup match. His stunning knock also marked the highest-ever individual score at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium and became the third double century recorded in a World Cup, joining the ranks of Chris Gayle and Martin Guptill.
As he neared his double-century, Maxwell’s pain and exhaustion were visible, yet his resilience prevailed. With every boundary, he brought Australia closer to an improbable win, and with one final six, he secured victory with 19 balls to spare. Maxwell’s feat, widely considered one of the greatest ODI innings, not only salvaged Australia’s World Cup campaign but also set a new benchmark in cricket history for the sheer magnitude of a one-man show under duress.
Australia’s place in the semi-finals is now guaranteed, largely due to Maxwell’s heroics. His innings will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most heroic and entertaining in World Cup history, a testament to his mental toughness and unmatched batting prowess.