Australia’s captain Pat Cummins described Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 202 off 128 balls as “the greatest ODI innings” he has ever seen. This remarkable performance helped Australia secure an improbable three-wicket victory against Afghanistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
Maxwell’s brilliant innings, featuring 21 boundaries and 10 maximums, was crucial in Australia’s recovery from a dire situation, where they were reduced to 91/7 in the 19th over. Cummins partnered with Maxwell, and their 202-run unbeaten 8th-wicket stand was instrumental in chasing down Afghanistan’s target of 291/5, which was built on Ibrahim Zadran’s first World Cup century (129 not out off 143) and Rashid Khan’s 18-ball 35.
Cummins admitted that survival was their initial focus, given the challenging conditions and Afghanistan’s spinners. He praised Maxwell’s ability to control the game and plan for victory even when he was battling cramps.
According to Cummins, he only began to believe they could win the match when they needed 40 runs off the last 40 balls, highlighting the incredible turnaround in the match.
Cummins described Maxwell as a “freak” for his ability to hit sixes at will, even while struggling with cramps. When Maxwell needed medical attention, Cummins thought he might have to signal for the next batsman, Adam Zampa, to come in. However, Maxwell decided to continue playing despite his physical discomfort.
In summary, Glenn Maxwell’s outstanding innings and an incredible partnership between Maxwell and Cummins led Australia to a memorable victory in the World Cup match against Afghanistan, with Cummins considering Maxwell’s performance as the greatest ODI innings he has witnessed.
