Maxwell’s Extraordinary Performance Propels Australia to Unbelievable World Cup Semifinal Victory
In a thrilling World Cup encounter on Tuesday, Glenn Maxwell defied cramps to play an exceptional innings of 201 not out from 128 balls, single-handedly guiding Australia to an improbable three-wicket victory over Afghanistan. This extraordinary performance secured Australia’s place in the semifinals.
This win elevated Australia to 12 points in the tournament, making them the third team to secure a spot in the semifinals alongside India and South Africa. Furthermore, Afghanistan’s valiant effort in the match kept Pakistan’s hopes alive for a semifinal berth.
Despite setting a victory target of 292, Afghanistan had Australia struggling at 91 for seven wickets, seemingly on the path to a historic victory against the five-time World Cup champions. However, Glenn Maxwell launched an astonishing counter-attack in the company of captain Pat Cummins. With remarkable resilience, Maxwell guided Australia to surpass Afghanistan’s total of 291 for five wickets with 19 balls to spare.
Maxwell, who had already scored four centuries in the 50-over format, battled through cramps but continued to dominate, relying more on power hitting and limiting his running between the wickets to manage the pain. In an incredible display, Maxwell struck 21 fours and 10 sixes, many of them while batting on one leg. His last six not only brought up the victory but also marked his double century.
Pat Cummins remained unbeaten on 12 runs from 68 balls and played a crucial role in forming an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership worth 202 runs.
Despite numerous discussions and efforts on the field, Afghanistan couldn’t find a way to dislodge Maxwell. He was given a reprieve on 33 when he was dropped by Mujeebur Rahman off Noor Ahmad’s bowling. Maxwell also successfully appealed against an LBW decision in the same over.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s seamers Naveenul Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai made early inroads, reducing Australia to 49-4 after opener Ibrahim Zadran’s maiden World Cup century helped Afghanistan post a competitive total.
Ibrahim Zadran anchored Afghanistan’s innings with an unbeaten 129 from 143 balls. His fifth century in the 50-overs format featured eight fours and three sixes.
All-rounder Rashid Khan provided late impetus to Afghanistan’s innings with an unbeaten 35 runs from 18 balls, hitting three sixes and two fours.
