Glenn Maxwell battled cramps and played an unbeaten innings of 201 off 128 balls, propelling Australia to an astonishing three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the 39th match of the World Cup at the Wankhede Cricket Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Maxwell's remarkable performance not only snatched victory from the jaws of defeat but also confirmed Australia's place in the semi-finals.
Afghanistan had Australia on the ropes, reducing them to 91 for seven wickets while setting a challenging target of 292 at the Wankhede Stadium. However, what transpired next was nothing short of extraordinary.
Maxwell, accompanied by captain Pat Cummins, embarked on an audacious counter-attack that defied all odds. Together, they steered Australia past Afghanistan's total of 291 with 19 balls to spare.
Maxwell's sensational innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes, several of which were struck while he battled through cramps. His remarkable double century came with the last six he hammered, marking an incredible achievement.
Despite a valiant effort from Afghanistan, including numerous on-field discussions, they couldn't find a way to dismiss Maxwell. The Australian batsman also survived a dropped catch on 33 and a contentious leg-before-wicket decision, which he successfully overturned upon appeal.
Australia's early struggles had left them at 49-4, exacerbated by the absence of Steve Smith due to vertigo. Afghanistan's seamers, Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai, struck early blows, creating a daunting chase for Australia. Rashid Khan's two quick wickets had further tilted the match in Afghanistan's favor.
However, Maxwell and Cummins orchestrated a sensational comeback, amassing an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership worth 202 runs. Their exceptional resilience and partnership secured the victory, taking Australia to 12 points and making them the third team to secure a spot in the semi-finals, alongside India and South Africa.
Ibrahim Zadran's exceptional performance for Afghanistan earlier in the match was also noteworthy. The 21-year-old opening batsman played an unbeaten innings of 129, which featured eight fours and three sixes, anchoring Afghanistan's innings.
Rashid Khan's all-round contribution added valuable runs towards the end, as he smashed an unbeaten 35 from 18 balls, enhancing Afghanistan's total.
