In the 39th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup, Glenn Maxwell delivered a breathtaking double century, snatching victory from the jaws of Afghanistan. This remarkable triumph also secured Australia’s spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Afghanistan had set a target of 292 runs for Australia, and their bowlers made an explosive start, immediately claiming wickets, leaving the Australian side reeling at just 91 runs with seven players back in the pavilion.
The Australian top order crumbled as Mitchell Marsh scored 24, David Warner 18, Marnus Labuschagne 14, and Marcus Stoinis added only 6 runs. Captain Pat Cummins, Josh Inglis, and Travis Head were all dismissed without contributing to the team’s score.
After losing seven wickets, Glenn Maxwell took the responsibility of rescuing the team along with Captain Pat Cummins. He embarked on a rescue mission that would lead them to an extraordinary victory.
Maxwell faced adversity but managed to hold his ground with some stunning catches dropped by the Afghan fielders. He even survived a close call with an LBW review.
Maxwell faced 128 balls, scoring a phenomenal 201 runs, including 10 fours and 21 sixes, in an innings that displayed his unparalleled aggression and batting prowess.
His partnership with Captain Pat Cummins was instrumental in the Australian team’s revival. Cummins faced 68 balls and contributed 12 runs. Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to break this crucial partnership.
For Afghanistan, the bowling attack was led by Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rashid Khan, who took two wickets each.
It’s important to note that Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat in this match, which took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran opened for Afghanistan, with the team’s first wicket falling in the eighth over with the score at 38 runs. Gurbaz scored 21 runs but was caught out.
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah played cautiously but contributed well to their team’s score, reaching 121 runs. However, in the 24.4th over, Rahmat Shah was dismissed after scoring 30 runs.
After Rahmat’s departure, Hashmatullah and Ibrahim Zadran built a partnership of 52 runs. Yet, Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was out for 26 runs, bowled by Mitchell Starc.
Newcomer Azmatullah Omarzai contributed with 22 runs, while Mohammad Nabi added 12 runs before being dismissed.
On the bowling front, Ibrahim Zadran showed commendable determination as he anchored the innings and completed a century. This was the first century by any Afghan player in a One-Day International World Cup.
Ibrahim Zadran scored an unbeatable 129 runs, which included 8 fours and 3 sixes in his exceptional innings.
In the final moments of Afghanistan’s innings, Rashid Khan played an impressive innings of 35 runs, facing 18 balls, ensuring that the team reached a total of 291 runs with a loss of 5 wickets in the prescribed 50 overs.
For Australia, Josh Hazlewood took two wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, and Adam Zampa each claimed one wicket.
Glenn Maxwell’s historic double century in an ODI World Cup match was widely regarded as an exceptional performance, earning him the title of the best player in the game. His remarkable innings not only secured a stunning victory for Australia but also etched his name in the annals of cricket history.
Maxwell’s explosive batting display, coupled with his ability to handle pressure situations, marked a new milestone in the world of cricket. His astounding performance will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
