In a thrilling showdown at the ICC World Cup 2023, Australian powerhouse Glenn Maxwell played a match-winning innings, snatching victory from Afghanistan’s grasp. Maxwell’s explosive knock of 201 not out off 128 balls secured Australia’s place in the semifinals, as they triumphed over Afghanistan by three wickets.
Afghanistan had set a target of 291 runs, and in response, Maxwell’s double-century propelled Australia to a remarkable victory. His heroics came at a critical juncture when Australia was in dire straits, teetering at 7 wickets for just 91 runs. Maxwell joined forces with the skipper, Pat Cummins, forging an unbroken partnership worth 202 runs for the eighth wicket, ultimately propelling Australia into the coveted semifinals. In the process, Maxwell etched his name into the record books with a double century, becoming only the third team to reach the semifinals.
Ibrahim Zadran was Afghanistan’s standout performer, notching an unbeaten 129 runs, with Rashid Khan contributing an unbeaten 35 runs. Australia’s Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa each secured one wicket. Maxwell’s incredible feat included an unbeaten 201 runs, with Mitchell Marsh adding 24 runs. For Afghanistan, Naveen Ul Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rashid Khan secured two wickets each.
In an interview on the Dafa News Cricket Show, Zimbabwe’s national player and coach, Tasmeen Granger, commented on Maxwell’s explosive innings, stating, “Maxwell has made history as the only cricketer in ODI history to score a double century while chasing a target. Before this, Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman held the record with 193 runs against South Africa in 2021, followed by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson (185 not out), former Indian captain MS Dhoni (183 not out), and the legendary Virat Kohli (183). Maxwell’s achievement also marks the first double century for Australia in ODI cricket.”
Tasmeen highlighted that Maxwell secured the second-fastest double century in ODI cricket, with India’s Ishan Kishan leading the pack with his 126-ball feat. At the same time, West Indies legend Chris Gayle follows in third place with a 138-ball double century. Further elaborating on Maxwell’s remarkable performance, Tasmin noted, “Maxwell now holds the record for the highest score by a non-opener batsman in ODIs, surpassing Zimbabwe’s Charles Coventry’s unbeaten 194 runs against Bangladesh in 2009. He ranks behind only the West Indies’ Viv Richards (189 not out vs. England, 1994). Maxwell’s brilliant innings place him third in the list of the highest individual scores in the World Cup, behind Martin Guptill of New Zealand, who set the record with an unbeaten 237 runs against the West Indies in 2015, and Chris Gayle’s 215 against Zimbabwe in 2015.”