Glenn Maxwell’s Record-Breaking Double-Century Steals the Show
In a thrilling encounter at the ICC World Cup 2023, Australia faced Afghanistan in Mumbai, where superstar Glenn Maxwell showcased his resilience by playing an incredible innings despite injury. Maxwell’s record-breaking double-century propelled Australia to a remarkable victory, securing their spot in the semi-finals. This heroic effort by Maxwell, often referred to as the ‘Big Show,’ came after Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai triggered a surprising batting collapse for the five-time World Cup winners at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Glenn Maxwell remained unbeaten with a score of 201 runs from just 128 balls, with skipper Pat Cummins contributing a crucial 12 runs from 68 balls to support Australia in defeating the giant-killers of the World Cup. Australia thus became the third team, following India and South Africa, to advance to the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup.
The match began with Afghanistan’s pacer Naveen dismissing explosive opener Travis Head for a mere 0 runs from 2 balls and later trapping Mitchell Marsh LBW for 24 runs off 11 balls. Joining forces with Naveen, Omarzai removed David Warner and Josh Inglis in consecutive deliveries, causing Australia to stumble to 49/4 in just 8.2 overs. Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell then took over the batting responsibilities for Australia.
Afghanistan batted first and put up a competitive total of 291/5, with Ibrahim Zadran leading the way by scoring an unbeaten 129 runs from 143 balls. Zadran became the first Afghanistan cricketer to register a century in ODI World Cups. In addition to Zadran’s impressive performance, Rashid Khan contributed a quick 18-ball 35 not out.
Afghanistan’s opening pair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Zadran, provided a solid start with a partnership of 38 runs before Josh Hazlewood dismissed Gurbaz for 21 runs from 25 balls. Zadran and Rahmat Shah then added 83 runs for the third wicket before Glenn Maxwell broke the partnership by dismissing Shah for 30 runs from 44 balls. Shortly afterward, Mitchell Starc cleaned up Afghanistan’s skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi for 26 runs from 43 balls. Adam Zampa added to Australia’s progress by dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai for 22 runs from 18 balls, and Hazlewood removed Mohammad Nabi for 12 runs from 10 balls.
ALSO CHECK: Ibrahim Zadran became the first batter from Afghanistan to score a century in the World Cup
Notably, Steve Smith was not included in Australia’s playing XI, and Cameron Green was also left out, with Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell taking their places. Afghanistan made one change, bringing in Naveen-ul-Haq to replace Fazalhaq Farooqi.
A win for Australia in this match would take them to 12 points and secure their spot in the semi-finals. Afghanistan, on the other hand, remained in contention for a semi-final berth and hoped for another upset. A victory in this match would bring Afghanistan closer to a semi-final spot, though it wouldn’t guarantee them a place.
Both teams entered the match with confidence, as Afghanistan had recently defeated the Netherlands by seven wickets, and Australia had secured a 33-run victory over traditional rivals England in their previous encounter.
Match Higlights Of AUS vs AFG
- Glenn Maxwell, despite suffering from spasms and cramps, played a remarkable innings of over 176 runs, astonishing the cricketing world.
- Maxwell achieved his second century of the ICC World Cup 2023, helping Australia reach a score of 186-7 in 33 overs.
- Earlier in the match, Maxwell played a crucial half-century off 51 balls to keep Australia in the competition.
- Rashid Khan made vital breakthroughs for Afghanistan, dismissing Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Starc, which left Australia struggling at 91-7 in 18.3 overs.
- Afghanistan had reduced Australia to 49/4 in just 8.2 overs.
- Ibrahim Zadran finished his innings unbeaten with 129 runs from 143 balls, becoming the first Afghan cricketer to score a century in an ODI World Cup.
- Zadran and Rahmat Shah formed an 83-run partnership for the second wicket before Glenn Maxwell removed Shah, who scored 30 runs from 44 balls.
- Ibrahim Zadran reached his 50 in 62 balls.
- Afghanistan accumulated 46/1 in the first powerplay.
- Afghanistan made only one change to their playing XI.
- Australia made two changes, with Steve Smith not included in the playing XI. Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.