Glenn Maxwell scored a double century. (PTI Photo)
Glenn Maxwell created a storm in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium with his bat and snatched victory from Afghanistan and won the match for Australia. Against the target of 292 runs set by Afghanistan, Australia had lost its five wickets for just 49 runs but then Maxwell took charge and scored a limping double century to give Australia a three-wicket win. He made a partnership of 202 runs with Pat Cummins, of which 179 runs belonged to Maxwell alone. Maxwell played an unbeaten inning of 201 runs in which he faced 128 balls and hit 21 fours and 10 sixes.
This innings of Maxwell is one of the most brilliant innings in ODI history. No batsman has played such an innings in ODIs where he single-handedly brought the team out of this difficult situation and led the team to victory. Maxwell is known for his stormy style and in this match he explained why the team trusts him even after failing many times and continuously gives him opportunities.
created history
The Australian team, which came to chase 292 runs by Afghanistan, suffered initial setbacks. David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Jos Inglis had returned to the pavilion by the time 49 runs were reached. From here it seemed that Afghanistan would pull off another major upset but Maxwell regained his feet. Meanwhile, he also got a lease of life when Mujeeb Ur Rahman dropped the catch of Maxwell on the fifth ball of the 22nd over. Maxwell took advantage of this and scored runs in a stormy manner. He completed his century in 76 balls, but after that he got cramps. The physio had to come to the field twice but Maxwell did not agree. He was not able to stand properly, but his bat was swinging very well. With this, Maxwell has become the first batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score a double century for Australia.
Australia’s historic victory
With this innings, Maxwell not only registered a record in his name but also got his team’s name written in the record book. This victory of Australia is the biggest victory achieved by any team while chasing the target in the history of ODI World Cup. No one had chased a bigger target than this in the World Cup. In the last overs of this match, Maxwell hit hard and completed his double century. When the team needed 25 runs to win, Maxwell needed 23 runs to complete his double century. Maxwell alone scored these runs and led the team to victory.
