Glenn Maxwell smashed a record-breaking double-century to earn a memorable triumph for Pat Cummins and Co. in Mumbai, capping off an amazing comeback for Australia. ‘Big Show’ Maxwell saved Australia when Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai ignited a surprising batting collapse by the five-time champions at Mumbai’s historic Wankhede Stadium. Maxwell finished unbeaten on 201 off 128 balls, while skipper Cummins contributed a cameo of 12 off 68 balls to help Australia overtake the World Cup giant killers. After India and South Africa, Australia is the third team to reach the ICC World Cup semi-finals. Maxwell set the record for the best individual score in an ODI run-chase.
Maxwell’s 201* is also the third-highest individual score in World Cup history. Earlier, pacer Naveen dismissed prolific batsman Travis Head for 0(2) before trapping Mitchel Marsh LBW for 24(11) as Afghanistan maintained control. Omarzai then joined forces with the on-song pacer to dismiss David Warner and Josh Inglis in consecutive deliveries, reducing Australia to 49/4 in 8.2 overs.
In this historic match match, Ibrahim Zadran led the Afghanistan fight and helped them build up a solid 291/5 batting first. As he batted first in the innings, Zadran made history by being the first player from Afghanistan to reach a century in ODI World Cups. He finished the innings unbeaten with 129(143). In addition to Zadran, Rashid Khan contributed an 18-ball 35*.
Afghanistan gained the toss and chose to bat, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Zadran gave them a respectable start. Together, they scored 38 runs in the first stand, then Josh Hazlewood removed Gurbaz for 21 runs (25). After that, Zadran and Rahmat Shah put up 83 runs for the third wicket, which Maxwell broke. Shah made a 30(44) error, and shortly after, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was destroyed by Mitchell Starc for 26(43). In the 43rd over, Adam Zampa gave Australia another breakthrough.
Glenn Maxwell caught Azmatullah Omarzai for 22(18). After that, Hazlewood dismissed Muhammad Nabi for 12(10).
Superstar Steve Smith and Cameron Green were left out of the Australian playing XI. Smith and Green were replaced by Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. One change was made in Afghanistan: Naveen-ul-Haq replaced Fazalhaq Farooqi. Australia’s victory has brought them up to 12 points and guaranteed them a spot in the World Cup semifinals. Australia’s previous match against old rivals England ended in a 33-run victory, setting them up to face the big killers.