A cracker of an encounter in the 2023 ODI World Cup was witnessed as Australia and Afghanistan looked set for a great battle with Afghanistan on the back of consecutive impressive wins over England and Pakistan. Afghanistan’s opener Ibrahim Zadran dominated the match with a stellar knock of 129*, and Afghanistan notched a total of 291/5, thereby posting quite a tough target to chase for Australia.
However, Australia’s chase collapsed drastically from the start. The top order could not withstand the pressure, and the team reached a shocking 91/7, with just three wickets still in hand. Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Azmatullah Omarzai wreaked havoc as each of them bagged two wickets.
Glenn Maxwell Stood Alone Despite Injuries
With everything going against the Aussies, Glenn Maxwell was the lone figure at the crease as the last recognised batter of the game while skipper Pat Cummins remained his only companion.
Early in his innings, Maxwell received two reprieves when the Afghan fielders dropped his catch twice. Still struggling to run quick singles due to an injury that hurt his knee, Maxwell did not lose his resolve. The Australian was targeting sixes and boundaries, the six off Mujeeb ur Rehman with five runs still to come off the last 20 balls sums up the scenario.
Historic Double Century For Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell continued his heroics till the very end, remaining unbeaten on 201 off 128 balls with 21 fours and 10 sixes. Cummins did his bit as he played a watchful 12* from 68 balls as Maxwell took the Aussies home, orchestrating one of the most dramatic turnarounds in World Cup history. Maxwell’s double hundred ensured that Australia took victory from the jaws of defeat, completing the chase and scripting a memorable moment in the World Cup.
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