Afghanistan’s gritty performance
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for an intense battle. They managed to post a competitive total of 291/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The standout performance in the Afghan innings came from Ibrahim Zadran, who played a pivotal role in their quest for a historic win with an impressive unbeaten century – 129 runs. Rahmat Shah also made a valuable contribution, adding 30 runs from 44 balls, while Rashid Khan showcased his all-round abilities by scoring a rapid 35 runs from just 18 deliveries.
Australia’s Maxwell show
Australia’s chase got off to a rocky start, with early wickets falling rapidly. Travis Head was dismissed for just four runs, and the situation looked dire for the Aussies. However, it was Maxwell’s time to shine. Maxwell played a breathtaking knock, scoring a magnificent double century that left spectators in awe. His 201 runs came from just 128 balls, featuring twenty one fours and ten sixes – a display of power-hitting at its finest.
Maxwell’s brilliance ignited hope in the Australian camp, and it wasn’t long before the tide began to turn in their favour. With the support of his teammates, Maxwell’s exceptional innings kept Australia in contention.
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A thrilling finish
As the match reached its climax, Afghanistan continued to fight valiantly. Rashid, Naveen ul Haq, and Azmatullah Omarzai each picked up two crucial wickets, ensuring that the contest remained neck and neck. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the match hung in the balance.
In the end, Maxwell’s brilliance and composure under pressure prevailed. He steered Australia to victory despite struggling with cramps, securing a win in the final moments of the game. Afghanistan’s valiant effort had come close to creating history, but they fell agonizingly short of their first-ever ODI victory against Australia. With the win, Australia also secured a spot in the semi-final.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Maxwell. Never seen something like this before . Unreal . Congratulations @CricketAus #AUSvAFG
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 7, 2023
Take a bow Warrior Mentality
Physically down but mentally at an all time high! Maxi, you little beast.#PlayBold #AUSvAFG #CWC23 #GlennMaxwell @Gmaxi_32 pic.twitter.com/p6NBrvBCMX
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 7, 2023
Simply UNBELIEVABLE
Maxwell has pulled off the biggest heist!
— Yuzvendra Chahal (@yuzi_chahal) November 7, 2023
What a player@Gmaxi_32 #AUSvAFG pic.twitter.com/gT0BtBBKU2
— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) November 7, 2023
Glenn Maxwell reminded us tonight about the intrinsic beauty, unpredictability and inspiring drama of this wonderful game. Thank you.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 7, 2023
Massive Massive Massive respect for Maxii.Absolutely unbelievable. @Gmaxi_32
!!! #ICCMensCricketWorldCup2023 #ICCCricketWorldCup2023 #AUSvAFG
— Sandeep Lamichhane (@Sandeep25) November 7, 2023
Got to be one of the greatest ODI innings ever ….#Maxwell
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) November 7, 2023
Some match winning innings are such that you just stand up and applaud. An inning to remember for lifetime by Maxwell
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 7, 2023
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