Maxwell’s Heroic 201 Not Out Seals Thrilling Victory for Australia in High-Stakes Clash with Afghanistan

In a high-stakes clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Match No. 39 featured an intense showdown between Australia and Afghanistan. The implications were clear: Afghanistan needed a victory to inch closer to a spot in the semifinals, while Australia aimed to secure their qualification. Maxwell proved to be the nail in the Afghanistan’s progress.

Afghanistan’s Strong Start

Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat. Their innings got off to a promising start, but the early loss of Gurbaz at 38 raised some concerns. However, the second-wicket partnership between the Afghan batsmen added a substantial 83 runs, taking the score to 121 for 2 when R Shah departed. Ibrahim Zadran played a pivotal role, anchoring one end while the rest of the team contributed steadily. Zadran’s remarkable century marked Afghanistan’s first in a World Cup tournament, and Rashid Khan’s quick 35 runs from 18 balls pushed Afghanistan to a competitive total of 291 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs. Australia’s J Hezalwood claimed 2 wickets for 39.

Australia’s Grueling Chase

Australia began their chase, but Afghanistan’s bowlers put up a formidable performance. The Australian side found themselves struggling at 91 runs for the loss of 7 wickets, facing the prospect of a daunting defeat. However, Glenn Maxwell was the ray of hope for the Aussies, being granted three lifelines, with the most significant at just 33 runs. The match subsequently turned into a gripping contest between Maxwell and the Afghan team.

Despite suffering an injury, Maxwell continued to battle on relentlessly. He amassed an extraordinary score of 201 not out, leading Australia to a remarkable comeback. The partnership between Maxwell and Captain Cummins proved to be the game-changer, with Cummins steadfastly holding one end while Maxwell decimated the opposition bowlers. This partnership, worth 202 runs, was the highest ever for the eighth wicket in ODIs, with Cummins contributing only 12 runs.

Maxwell Shows

Maxwell’s innings of 201 not out also etched his name in history as the highest individual score in a one-day international match for Australia. The Afghan bowlers fought valiantly but could only hold out until the 19th over, after which they were mere spectators. Ultimately, Australia clinched a stunning victory by three wickets, with Glenn Maxwell deservedly earning the Player of the Match title for his exceptional performance.