• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Something I Can Be Proud Of Glenn Maxwell On His Sensational Double Ton

'Something I Can Be Proud Of'- Glenn Maxwell On His Sensational Double Ton

image-loomjg03Glenn Maxwell smashed his career best score vs Afghanistan [AP]

In an extraordinary display of determination and batting prowess, Glenn Maxwell defied all odds to score an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls, leading Australia to their greatest run chase in 50-over World Cups in Mumbai, as they defeated Afghanistan in the ongoing 2023 World Cup.

At 91/7 in just 18.3 overs, Australia's chances of chasing down the target of 292 runs appeared bleak. However, Maxwell engineered a miraculous turnaround, transforming what seemed like a lost cause into a historic victory that secured Australia's place in the tournament's semi-finals.

Reflecting on his incredible innings, Maxwell said:

"I wanted to stay back and get some movement (on my legs). Not too much (when asked about plans when his team was at 92/7), just stuck to the batting plans as much as possible, for me, stayed positive, looked to play my shots."

"A hint of swing and nip (off the surface), as it happens here under lights; they bowled beautifully to exploit that. It would have been nice if it was a chance-less knock, but I had my chances, to make the most of it. Tonight was something I can be proud of. After the first two games, people were quick to write us off. The belief was always there (as a team), after today, it would have gone a bit higher."

A record breaking night in Mumbai 

Maxwell's onslaught left the Afghan bowlers helpless as he bludgeoned 21 boundaries and ten sixes, anchoring an unbeaten 202-run partnership with skipper Pat Cummins. This remarkable collaboration marked the highest eighth-wicket partnership in the history of the World Cup, propelling Australia to the semi-final with their sixth consecutive win.

His incredible performance resulted in his second century of the tournament, making it the highest second-inning individual score and his highest personal score in a 50-over game. Despite struggling with cramps towards the end of his innings, Maxwell continued to bat heroically, facing severe discomfort to fend off Afghanistan's relentless attack.

His inning was so extraordinary that it overshadowed Ibrahim Zadran's exceptional effort. The 21-year-old Afghan opener achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring an unbeaten 129 off 143 balls, becoming the first Afghan batsman to notch a century in an ODI World Cup. 

His performance elevated Afghanistan to their highest World Cup total, finishing at a commendable 291/5 against the five-time champions Australia. However, Maxwell's heroics ultimately stole the spotlight on the historic day.