The 39th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 between Australia and Afghanistan provided cricket fans around the world with an unforgettable and thrilling contest. In enthralling encounter, Glenn Maxwell emerged as the hero, guiding Australia to victory in a nail-biting encounter. While Afghanistan put up a commendable fight, their dream of securing their first-ever ODI victory over Australia remained unfulfilled in this heart-pounding showdown.
Afghanistan’s gritty performance
Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for an intense battle. They managed to post a competitive total of 291/5 in their allotted 50 overs. The standout performance in the Afghan innings came from Ibrahim Zadran, who played a pivotal role in their quest for a historic win with an impressive unbeaten century – 129 runs. Rahmat Shah also made a valuable contribution, adding 30 runs from 44 balls, while Rashid Khan showcased his all-round abilities by scoring a rapid 35 runs from just 18 deliveries.
Australia’s Maxwell show
Australia’s chase got off to a rocky start, with early wickets falling rapidly. Travis Head was dismissed for just four runs, and the situation looked dire for the Aussies. However, it was Maxwell’s time to shine. Maxwell played a breathtaking knock, scoring a magnificent double century that left spectators in awe. His 201 runs came from just 128 balls, featuring twenty one fours and ten sixes – a display of power-hitting at its finest.
Maxwell’s brilliance ignited hope in the Australian camp, and it wasn’t long before the tide began to turn in their favour. With the support of his teammates, Maxwell’s exceptional innings kept Australia in contention.
Also READ: Rashid Khan & Co. meet up with Irfan and Yusuf Pathan in Mumbai – ODI World Cup 2023
A thrilling finish
As the match reached its climax, Afghanistan continued to fight valiantly. Rashid, Naveen ul Haq, and Azmatullah Omarzai each picked up two crucial wickets, ensuring that the contest remained neck and neck. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the match hung in the balance.
In the end, Maxwell’s brilliance and composure under pressure prevailed. He steered Australia to victory despite struggling with cramps, securing a win in the final moments of the game. Afghanistan’s valiant effort had come close to creating history, but they fell agonizingly short of their first-ever ODI victory against Australia. With the win, Australia also secured a spot in the semi-final.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Maxwell has maxed it. What an innings #AUSvsAFG congratulations on a stupendous century @Gmaxi_32
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) November 7, 2023
Congratulations to Team Australia on an extraordinary victory! Unbelievable innings from @Gmaxi_32! #Cwc23 #AUSvAFG
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 7, 2023
After dropping Maxwell catch, this is the first thing that came to my mind
80s & 90s kids will know. pic.twitter.com/96HayQB59q
— Sarang Sood (@SarangSood) November 7, 2023
Warrior Mentality 💪
Physically down but mentally at an all time high! Maxi, you little beast. 🙌#PlayBold #AUSvAFG #CWC23 #GlennMaxwell @Gmaxi_32 pic.twitter.com/p6NBrvBCMX
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 7, 2023
Wow , Afghanistan on fire.
Maxwell surviving that lbw could well see him go in Mata aa gayi mode. Should be interesting to watch #AUSvAFG— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 7, 2023
Saw this coming. 200 in a run-chase, One of the all time great one day innings by Maxwell. @Gmaxi_32 was a man possessed and
great support by @patcummins30 . An innings to remember for a long long time . #AUSvsAFG https://t.co/ClOM3NdSJf pic.twitter.com/nQ8uNVh1af— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 7, 2023
This is exactly why we can never count Australia out#maxwell
— Abhi and Niyu (@abhiandniyu) November 7, 2023
Maxwell’s place in history just got guaranteed. It has to be the greatest white ball innings played
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2023
This is special bowling by afghan pacers so far. WOW #AFGvAUS
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 7, 2023
Glenn Warrior Maxwell..!! #AUSvsAFG pic.twitter.com/wVxOMHgvXf
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 7, 2023
Afghan Jalebi 🥳🥳
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 7, 2023
Afghanistan, everyday you are telling us why you are becoming a serious, special cricket team.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2023
One of those only Glenn Maxwell could have pulled it off freaky centuries on a freaky night at the Wankhede #AusvAfg #CWC23
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 7, 2023
This is absolutely fantastic from Afghanistan .. and the spinners haven’t even bowled yet .. #CWC23
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2023
Full drama at Wankhede. Afghanistan has 3 slips for Australia in a World Cup match.
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) November 7, 2023
An Afghanistan medium-pacer bowling to an Australian batter with three slips in place under lights at the Wankhede Stadium with Australia properly under the pump sounds like an Australian fever dream but tells you more about how brilliant Afghanistan have been #CWC23 #AusvAfg
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 7, 2023
Maxwell, now forgive Afghanistan; they made a big mistake by dropping your catch. #AUSvsAFG
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) November 7, 2023
What an extraordinary innings by Maxwell. He may have ridden his luck but thereafter, he has taken the attack to the opposition in such dramatic style that with Afghanistan in a winning position, they started thinking they needed to defend!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2023
This is a warrior innings by Glenn Maxwell. pic.twitter.com/gq9cQavphM
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 7, 2023
Also READ: Michael Atherton, Harbhajan Singh and other cricket icons slam Shakib Al Hasan over Angelo Mathews’ timed-out dismissal
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