Glenn Maxwell delivered a breathtaking performance during a 2023 Cricket World Cup group-stage clash against Afghanistan as he single-handedly steered the Aussies over the line with a double century.
Afghanistan chose to bat first and amassed a total of 291 runs after fifty overs. Ibrahim Zadran was the standout performer, notching a brilliant century with 129 runs to provide Afghanistan with a competitive score.
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However, Australia faced a daunting challenge as they were reduced to 91-7 in less than 19 overs. It was at this pivotal moment that Glenn Maxwell's extraordinary innings propelled them to victory.
Maxwell unleashed a storming double-century, amassing an incredible 201 runs off 128 balls. His innings was comprised of a staggering 21 boundaries and 10 sixes which allowed Australia to secure their sixth victory in the tournament and a spot in the semi-finals.
MORE: Will Australia qualify for World Cup 2023 semifinals?
What did Wasim Akram say about the mistake of Afghanistan bowlers?
Maxwell battled through cramps and yet showed incredible determination to guide his team to victory. Wasim Akram hailed his performance but slammed Afhan bowlers for not bowling outside the off stump which would have forced him to reach out for the deliveries.
"Unbelievable! They say one man can't win you a game. What an absolute lie. But how come they were not bowling outside off stump? To a right-hander, you should try bowling around the wicket. (Dwayne) Bravo used to do that. He used to come around the wicket and bowl yorkers outside the off stump. That is a different angle and nobody is trying it with a deep third man and extra cover," he said to A Sports.
Shoaib Malik hails Australia's Big Bash T20 League
Maxwell has been a huge crowd favourite in Australia and boasts of having an incredible record in the Big Bash T20 League.
He delivered a remarkable performance in early 2022 that left fans in awe. During a match against the Hobart Hurricanes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Maxwell etched his name in the record books by smashing an incredible 154 not out. This extraordinary innings made him the first player ever to surpass the 150-run mark in the BBL, solidifying his status as one of the league's top performers.
What made this achievement even more special was that the match at the MCG marked Maxwell's 100th appearance in the BBL, a significant milestone in his career. In reaching this landmark, Maxwell joined an exclusive group of players, becoming only the sixth cricketer to achieve 100 matches in the league.
Shoaib Malik have also played in the BBL and hailed Australia's culture for the mental toughness.
"I have played play league cricket around the world but BigBash is the toughest because Australians are mentally very tough. They play at the weekends and practice for just two to three days a week. I learnt and understood their culture. Even if they do a 9-5 job, they would come back and train. They are straightforward and say everything on your face. Hence such grooming makes them mentally very tough. Wish we could have such an upbringing. Even half of it would help us rule," Malik stated.
MORE: Is Glenn Maxwell's wife Indian? Know more about Vini Raman and where she's from
Who will win the 2023 World Cup?
India and Australia are among the favourites for the 2023 World Cup title. The odds from Dafabet are as follows.
| Team | Odds (Dafabet) |
|---|---|
| India | 2.00 |
| Australia | 4.50 |
| South Africa | 5.50 |
| New Zealand | 10.00 |
| Pakistan | 21.00 |
| Afghanistan | 67.00 |
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