Australia advanced to the semifinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 after Glenn Maxwell’s 201 not out led them to a three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Mumbai.
Maxwell, battling cramps and running difficulties, propelled the five-time world champions to an epic turnaround against a buoyant Afghanistan team at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
Achieving a record run-chase at the venue, Australia’s win materialized despite their precarious position at 91-7 in the 19th over. Afghanistan, opting to bat first, had set a formidable target of 291-5.
“It was the most remarkable thing you’ll ever see in cricket,” exclaimed former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith during his commentary as Maxwell struck a six to clinch the Australian win and surpass the 200-run mark.
Ricky Ponting, a former Australian captain with three World Cup titles to his name, praised Maxwell’s performance, stating, “I’ve played and watched a lot of cricket, but I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime innings.”
