AUS v AFG, World Cup 2023: Australia beat Afghanistan by 3 wickets, seal semifinal spot

Glenn Maxwell produced one of the knocks of the World Cup to help Australia snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against a spirited Afghanistan side in Mumbai on Tuesday, November 7. Maxwell, battling cramps and riding his luck, hit 201 not out in 128 balls as he single-handedly steered Australia from 91 for 7 to successfully chase down 292, their highest in the history of the 50-over tournament.

With the magical win at the Wankhede Stadium, Australia sealed their spot in the semi-finals, taking their tally to 12 points in 8 matches in World Cup 2023.

Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins stitched a 202-run partnership, out of which the Australian captain made 12 runs in 68 balls. While Maxwell's 201 not out got the stamp of the 'greatest ever ODI knock' from the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Wasim Akram, Cummins's knock was as important as he held one end after Australia's top-order was blown away.

Maxwell also became the first batter to hit a double hundred during a run chase in ODI cricket history. Glenn Maxwell broke David Warner's record for the highest score by an Australian as he raced past 178 (which also came against Afghanistan in 2015) as Afghanistan suffered



a heartbreak, crumbling under the pressure of the onslaught.

Maxwell's knock was reminiscent of Kapil Dev's 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup as he single-handedly rekindled the team's hope after it looked like done and dusted. Maxwell hit 10 sixes and 21 boundaries as he produced a knock for the ages.

Maxwell did not throw in the towel as Australia showcased their never-say-die-attitude once again at the biggest stage. The all-rounder was battling cramps and he needed the physio's attention multiple times, but he did not want to leave the field in a great show of courage.

The mood in the Afghanistan dressing changed dramatically as they were so close to one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup when Australia were reeling at 91 for 7. The smiles on the faces of the players and the support staff members in the Afghanistan camp disappeared and as they joined the millions who were watching Maxwell's heroics with disbelief.

Maxwell hit the winning runs with a huge six as he helped Australia complete the chase in 46.5 overs. Maxwell hit 3 sixes and a boundary in the final over of the match as he got a standing ovation from the crowd.