Team
Glenn Maxwell played no less then a worrier to see his side qualify for the semi finals of ICC World Cup 2023. Injured Maxwell scored an unforgettable double century to win 39th match of World Cup against Afghanistan.
Chasing a target of 292 runs, Aussies found themselves in deep trouble right from the first ball. Australia found themselves 97 for lose of 7 seven wickets only in the 19th over of the innings. At this moment everyone thought that the match is done and dusted and we will witness another upset in the ongoing World Cup, but Glenn Maxwell had other plans.
The 35-year-old Aussie all-rounder came to bat when the score was 49 for lose of 4 wickets. At that moment the ball was swinging around a lot. Maxwell was dropped by Afghani fielder early in his innings, Maxwell took full advantage of the dropped opportunity. Maxwell saw his side trembling at 97 fir 7 from the other end. Pat Cummins came to bat at number 9 for the former World Champions. Skipper Cummins held the innings and supported Maxwell from the other side till the end. Maxwell paced his innings nicely and smoothly. Maxwell held the wicket and scored runs on a good pace at a good rate. The Aussie all-rounder got injured after scoring his century. But he didn’t give up, it was even hard for him to run for singles.
Maxwell hit 21 boundaries and 10 sixes for his unbeaten 201 off only 128 balls. Cummins scored 12 runs off 68 balls who held the wicket and supported Maxwell brilliantly. Maxwell hit winning runs with a six with three wickets and 19 balls to spare.
Before the magnificent run chase by Australia, Afghanistan scored 291 runs in their innings. Opening batter Ibrahim Zardan scored a brilliant century for Afghanistan. He remained unbeaten on 121 runs.
Maxwell was undoubtedly named Man of the match for his brilliant batting. Pakistan, Afghanistan and New Zealand, all have eight points with one match to go for every team. The only team that is separating is the net run rate. New Zealand are at fourth, Pakistan are fifth and Afghanistan are at sixth position on the points table.
