Glenn Maxwell etched his name in the annals of cricket history with an extraordinary 201 not-out against Afghanistan, securing a semi-final berth for Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Chasing a daunting 292, the Aussies were on the brink of elimination at 91 for 7 when Maxwell stepped up to deliver one of the most remarkable individual performances in World Cup history.
Battling through severe cramps and physical exhaustion, Maxwell launched a stunning counterattack, amassing an unbeaten 201, including 21 boundaries and 10 sixes. His resilience and determination defied all odds as he single-handedly steered Australia to a thrilling victory, ensuring their place in the last four of the tournament.
Maxwell’s heroics sent shockwaves through the cricket world, with former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar declaring it the most incredible innings he had ever witnessed. In a YouTube video, Akhtar lauded Maxwell’s fighting spirit and unwavering commitment, describing his knock as a “miracle of an innings.”
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“I have been watching this game for a long time now, but I have never witnessed such madness before,” Akhtar stated. “His legs and arms weren’t working. Glenn Maxwell vs Afghanistan. It was 91 for seven. Then one guy, Glenn Maxwell. There were two dropped catches, he could have gone the first ball. But what an unbelievable innings that he played for Australia. I haven’t seen anything like this.”
Shoaib Akhtar further praised Maxwell’s refusal to give up despite his physical struggles, highlighting his unwavering desire to contribute to Australia’s cause. “Hats off to him. He could have gotten retired hurt or given up, but he didn’t. It was true patriotism that was driving him that somehow Australia needed to get these two points. If they had lost this game, they would have been in big trouble,” Shoaib Akhtar asserted.
Australia captain Pat Cummins also heaped praise on Maxwell, rating his double century against Afghanistan as the greatest knock in ODI history.
“I mean (all the innings) I’ve ever seen. It’s probably the greatest ODI innings ever. We’re just chatting about it, all the players and we’ve decided it’s one of those days where you just go, ‘I was there in the stadium the day Glenn Maxwell chased down that total by himself’,” Pat Cummins remarked, emphasizing the impact of Maxwell’s innings on the team and the tournament.
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Maxwell’s extraordinary performance not only propelled Australia into the semi-finals but also cemented his legacy as one of the most fearless and impactful players in modern cricket. His ability to turn the tide of a match single-handedly makes him a true game-changer, and his innings against Afghanistan will forever be etched in the memories of cricket fans worldwide.
