Glen Maxwell’s double century amazes the cricket world. Australia faced off against Afghanistan in the World Cup league match on Tuesday. The astounding 201 scored by Glen Maxwell left the cricket world amazed. Maxwell’s efforts not only saved the team from a sure defeat but also pushed the team to the semifinals.
Ricky Ponting on Maxwell’s double century
On the ICC program Digital Daily, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting found it difficult to characterize Maxwell’s achievement, stating that it may “create an unbelievable belief that you can win from anywhere.” “It is difficult to express… We will be talking about tonight for a very long time, Ponting continued.
Maxwell’s double century
With some cunning bowling from Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haw, and Azmatullah Omarzai, Australia was teetering at 91/7 in their chase against the 292 put up by Afghanistan when Maxwell entered the batting.
The right-handed batter faced a hat-trick ball when he entered the game, but he persevered and broke the record with 201 off 128 balls, which included 21 fours and 10 sixes. Later in the inning, he experienced cramping.
Praise from Sachin Tendulkar and others
In the post-match news conference, a giddy Cummins referred to the spell as “the greatest ODI innings” and said, “We’re just chatting about it, all the players.” We’ve determined that it’s one of those days where you just have to go. I was present in the stadium when Glenn Maxwell accomplished that feat on his own.
Maxwell’s double century also was praised by the Renowned Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar where he, who labeled him Australia’s “game-changer.” On the microblogging platform X, he shared: “A fantastic knock from @IZadran18 to position Afghanistan favorably. They had a strong second half and played well for 70 overs, but @Gmaxi_32’s final 25 overs were more than enough to turn the tide against them. From maximum strain to maximal efficiency!
Australia’s innings
As Afghanistan batted first, Ibrahim Zadran created history by making an undefeated 129 runs, the first century for his nation in a World Cup event. Afghanistan reached a formidable total of 291 thanks to Rashid Khan’s fast 35 from 18 balls.
In retaliation, Australia lost their middle order and top order in the first twenty-five overs before Maxwell strolled in. After being dropped by Mujeeb Ur Rahman at number 33, the batter showed no signs of relenting.
Following criticism for bowling the incorrect line to Maxwell, who was having trouble when Australia was more than 50 runs away from victory, Afghanistan skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi expressed his disappointment at how the rivals’ fortunes finally panned out.
“Cricket is a funny game; it was unbelievable for us,” he remarked. We were in the game, but we lost because our bowlers didn’t take advantage of their early success. Maxwell continued after that, playing every type of shot, and for that I applaud him.
“I believe that Maxwell’s poor performance following the lost receptions was crucial. He didn’t give us any opportunity, even though our bowlers gave it their all, Shahidi continued.
Maxwell’s remarkable performance went viral on the internet, garnering plaudits from cricket legends, former players, and current celebrities.
Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said on X: “Congratulations @Gmaxi_32 Clearly the best ODI innings ever. Has always been the most exciting player in the world to watch in my opinion.”
A name synonymous with clutch-run chases, England Test Captain Ben Stokes could only muster, “My goodness Maxi”, while 2011’s man of the tournament Yuvraj Singh called the innings that of his lifetime.
Maxwell’s wife, Vini Raman, who is of Indian descent, expressed her delight on an Instagram story – drawing a line through the number 100 to highlight the record-breaking feat of 201 not out.
Maxwell setting new records
The following records were broken by Maxwell’s amazing performance:
- Australia witnessed its first double century in an ODI; in 50 overs, it was only the 11th. 2011 saw Maxwell’s 201* score against Bangladesh surpass Shane Watson’s 185*.
- Maxwell’s 201* is the greatest individual score in ODI run chases, surpassing Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman’s 193 against South Africa in 2021.
- Maxwell’s double century beat Charles Coventry’s 194 against Bangladesh in 2009 to become the highest score by a non-opener in One Day International cricket.
- Maxwell’s 201* is only the third double hundred in ODI Cricket World Cup history; the other two being Chris Gayle (215 against Zimbabwe in 2015 for the West Indies) and Martin Guptill (237 against the West Indies in 2015 for New Zealand).
- The 202-run partnership between Maxwell and captain Pat Cummins (12*) beat England’s Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid’s 177-run partnership against New Zealand in 2015 to become the best in ODI history for the seventh wicket or lower.
- Maxwell’s double-century was the second fastest in ODI history, coming in at just 128 deliveries. Against Bangladesh last year, Ishan Kishan of India holds the record for the fastest double century, reaching it in just 126 balls.
Maxwell’s physical condition
Maxwell’s double century was a sight to beheld but it came with a price. Maxwell claimed after the game that he was cramping and could have gone back to the pavilion, but he decided to stay to keep his legs moving. Later on Maxwell collapsed to the ground due to exhaustion.
Fantastic. When asked how he felt physically following the physically taxing knock, Maxwell responded, “I’m stoked.” Naturally, the temperature was high while we were fielding. I became fatigued from not doing enough high-intensity workout in the heat. It was worthwhile to persevere through to the end, he said.
The cricketer added that he was making an effort to remain upbeat and challenge the Afghans. “I would have forfeited my wicket if I had continued to defend. He added that it was incredible to make it to the semifinals despite people’s fast dismissal of the squad following their early losses. “That LBW call as well… and I decided to go after the bowling,” he remarked.