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In a thrilling World Cup match, Glenn Maxwell scores an incredible double century, becoming the first hitter to reach two tons in an ODI run chase.
- Afghan bowlers were baffled by Maxwell’s strikes, which were all over the park.
- He was the first player in the World Cup to score two tons while batting at number five or lower.
- Afghanistan must defeat South Africa in order to advance to the knockout stage.
In a dramatic group encounter of the 2017 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Mumbai, India, Australia defeated Afghanistan by three wickets on Tuesday, shocking Glenn Maxwell in the process.
With an incredible double-century without losing, the Australian batsman put on one of the best innings in World Cup history.
Along with captain Pat Cummins, Maxwell, 35, terrorized Afghanistan’s bowlers, hitting them for maximum distance as they grabbed victory from the jaws of loss.
The 35-year-old Josh Inglis had just lost his wicket for a golden duck, and his side was 49-4 when he came to play. However, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mujeeb ur Rehman dropped Maxwell twice, giving him a life each time.
In the early overs, Afghanistan’s bowlers were guaranteed to win since they were causing a lot of trouble for the Australian batsmen. Nevertheless, Shahidi’s troops had no option but to suffer at the hands of right-handed devastating hitter Maxwell alone.
Cummins, who scored 12 runs in 68 balls with a composed and intelligent innings, provided Maxwell with a lot of support.
In the final few overs, the 35-year-old experienced cramps as well as difficulty running and playing shots without using proper footwork.
As well as being the first player to record two hundred in a World Cup while batting at No. 5 or below, Glenn Maxwell became the first batter in history to reach 200 in an ODI chase.
As the first Afghani hitter to make a century in World Cup history, Ibrahim Zadran was the most impressive player when batting first.
Zadran was the only Afghan batsman to score significantly during the match; he started the game and stayed all the way through, bringing his team to a respectable total.
Zadran, an all-rounder who scored 35 off just 18 deliveries with two fours and three sixes, was greatly assisted by Rashid Khan over the final five overs.
The other players who contributed to the winning team were Rahmat Shah (30), Azmatullah Omarzai (22) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (26).
Josh Hazlewood was the only Australian bowler to perform to expectations; the right-hand pacer only gave up 39 runs in nine overs while also taking two crucial wickets.
On November 9, Afghanistan will now play South Africa in another crucial game that they absolutely must win.
In the meanwhile, Australia’s last group game against Bangladesh is scheduled on November 11.
