Maxwell’s all-time great innings helps defeat Afghanistan

The five-time ODI World Cup champions Australia defeated Afghanistan by 3 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Cramped Maxwell produced an all-time great innings to help Australia beat Afghanistan and reach the semifinals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Maxwell, heavily cramped and struggling to run, scored 201 runs off 128 balls.

Australia, set 292 to win, had collapsed to 91-7 before Maxwell dragged his team back into the reckoning with a double century which helped the five-time champions chase the target.

They would have been in deep trouble had not Mujeeb Ur Rahman dropped a simple catch at short fine leg when all-rounder Maxwell, the last of Australia's recognised batsmen, was on 33.

“The most remarkable thing you will ever see in cricket,” former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith shouted on commentary as Maxwell hit a six to seal the win for Australia and cross 200 runs for himself.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who has won three World Cup titles, said Maxwell played the inning “on no legs.”

Winning the toss, Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi opted to bat first and they set a challenging target of 92 runs for Australia.