In a thrilling World Cup 2023 match, Australia beats Afghanistan as Maxwell records a double century.

If you don’t have access to any film from Tunbridge Wells, then you can only compare Kapil Dev’s incredible performance to Glenn Maxwell’s recent uses at the World Cup. Maxwell’s outstanding knock, which overcame physical constraints and helped Australia advance to the semi-finals, is evidence of his dedication and batting ability.

Maxwell Gets the Highest ODI Score While Chasing Physical Limits and Beliefs

Glenn Maxwell broke over physical and mental barriers to record the best ODI total while chasing in the center of Mumbai, the spiritual home of Indian cricket. His unbreakable commitment was demonstrated by his amazing 202-run partnership for the ninth wicket, to which Pat Cummins scored just 12 off 68 balls. Beyond the outstanding performances, Maxwell’s show was a theatrical spectacle that captured the audience with his persistent desire for victory.

Maxwell’s innings were a masterpiece in pure resolve and unconventional batting methods. He walked and stumbled around the crease, not allowing his physical limitations to stop him from moving forward. His powerful but accurate strokes left the spectators spellbound and the bowlers confused.

The crowd’s excitement increased as Maxwell’s inning went on. Despite their best attempts, the Afghan bowlers could not stop his assault. The crowd’s shouts resounded throughout the night as they yelled and celebrated at every turn.

Maxwell was getting closer to history with every ball that went by. He was close to breaking the record for the greatest ODI score while chasing. And he succeeded with one last flourish, making his mark in cricket history.

Maxwell’s inning was an incredible demonstration of his athleticism, talent, and determination. He produced a performance that will be remembered for years to come, defying the expectations and the odds.

With the chase down to 55 runs to win, Maxwell boldly poked a single to the long-on boundary in the 41st over. But then, all of a sudden, he slumped to the ground and writhed in anguish. After braving the muggy conditions of the famous stadium for five hours, he suddenly collapsed dramatically. The team physio ran onto the field, a typical scene in this high-stakes game; the umpire’s look reflected his anxiety. Adam Zampa, the No. 10 batter for Australia, had already made his way down the changing room steps and was ready to take his time at the crease.

However, Maxwell chose to persevere in spite of everything. He hit five huge sixes and five well-placed fours with resolute resolve. Amazingly, he used just his perfect hand-eye coordination to accomplish this incredible feat—not even moving his feet. Maxwell’s incredible performance defied logic and helped Australia defeat an amazed Afghanistan to win an incredible match.

Just 1.5 hours before Maxwell added his tenth four to his remarkable career total of 21 fours, hitting the skies over Mumbai, Hashmatullah Shahidi and his team had every reason to think they were going to win this tournament and become the next greatest of all time champions. The five-time winners were so scared by their performance that even Mitchell Starc, who did not even make touch with the ball, walked off the field without realizing that it had only brushed his stumps en route to the wicketkeeper.

In the glow of the stadium lights, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen ul Haq had taken two vital wickets apiece by skillfully using the swing. Following Omarzai’s successive wickets of Josh Inglis and David Warner, Maxwell came out swinging to deny the hat-trick chance. But Marnus Labuschagne self-inflicted a run-out, compounding Australia’s problems. Then came the intervention of the great player, Rashid Khan, who took wickets of Starc and Stoinis. Afghanistan was a force on the field, full of energy and desire, while Australia was on the verge of collapse.

The crucial blow came in the 22nd over, expertly delivered by leg spinner Noor Ahmad on the left arm. Maxwell played down the wrong line on the second ball, which led to a strong LBW plea that convinced the umpire. When the ball seemed to be sailing over the stumps due to the DRS system, Maxwell, who had previously accepted his destiny, was making his way towards the dressing room. After three good deliveries, he tried a sweep but could not control the bounce, resulting in a simple catch that went to the short fine-leg area. Surprisingly, Mujeeb Ur Rahman mysteriously declined the opportunity, saving Maxwell at 33 runs.

Something within Maxwell appeared to fire after these two incredible escapes. With renewed ferocity, he let loose with his arsenal of shots. In the next over, Rashid delivered a strong half-arm jab that almost reached the boundary, and he also produced a terrific slog-sweep off Noor’s ball that raced to the mid-wicket fence. Even after Maxwell achieved a 51-ball half-century, Afghanistan, who had been leading by a significant margin up until that point, was unable to fully capitalize on the change in momentum. Surprisingly, he reached his next fifty runs in just twenty-five balls, which unsettled the Afghanistan dugout as they saw the tide swing in Australia’s favor.

Shahidi was so confident in his team’s ability to spin bowl that he kept his two seamers out of the attack for a considerable amount of time. The mood of the match had changed considerably by the time Naveen returned to the bowling crease, and Australia needed to win by less than 100 runs. When the partnership reached 100 runs, Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, could only muster 8 runs; when it hit 150, he could barely muster 11 runs. Maxwell chose to hit boundaries instead of taking singles during this time since a bout of cramping had made it extremely difficult for him to walk.

But Cummins was happy enough to play out maiden overs, knowing full well that Maxwell’s big hitting was keeping the needed run rate in check. Afghanistan was unable to oppose this two-pronged approach. It appeared as though Mujeeb was crucial over clinched fate. After hitting dot, six, six, four, and six, Maxwell produced one of the most amazing innings in the history of the World Cup of cricket when he became the first Australian to reach an ODI double century.

It was a depressing end to a day that had so much potential for Afghanistan. After winning the toss, they had decided to put Australia under pressure on the scoreboard, a venue that is infamous for being tough to defend. Ibrahim Zadran was crucial, partnering with Rahmat Shah and Shahidi for half-centuries before becoming the first batter from Afghanistan to score a century in a World Cup game. Zadran carried his bat during his outstanding innings, scoring 129 runs off of 143 deliveries. Rashid Khan enhanced the show with an amazing eighteen-ball knock that brought in 35 runs. Combined, they scored 75 runs in the final six overs. Afghanistan achieved their highest-ever total in the history of the ODI World Cup thanks to this performance. However, ultimately, these outstanding successes were overshadowed by the night’s events.