Australia has qualified for the semi-finals after a three-wicket win over Afghanistan. The Aussies received immense help from Glenn Maxwell, who was responsible for 201 runs. Maxwell’s superlative batting display proved to be the game-changer for his team as they faced a precarious situation. 

Australia faced an initial struggle when the match started, and the odds of chasing down Afghanistan’s 292-run target looked grim. The situation further deteriorated, with Australia teetering at 91-7.

However, Maxwell’s resilience and unmatched skill came to the fore, and he helped turn things around. Throughout his innings, he encountered several challenges, including a back injury and cramps, but nothing could deter him from this remarkable feat. 

Maxwell ended his innings not out, having scored a staggering 201 runs. He formed a crucial partnership of 202 runs with Pat Cummins (12) that proved pivotal in Australia’s victory, secured with 19 balls to spare

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan had set a competitive target of 292-5, and their hopes of joining Australia in the top four appeared to be on track, thanks in large part to Ibrahim Zadran’s maiden World Cup century. However, everything changed when Maxwell took to the crease.

Maxwell’s performance in this World Cup has been nothing short of extraordinary. He had already claimed the record for the fastest century in this tournament during a match against the Netherlands. 

Tuesday’s match was his first since his return after missing the previous game due to an injury sustained from a fall. His return to the field witnessed a breathtaking display of reverse sweeps for six, stunning flicks, and incredible leg-side whips, often executed on one leg. 

His double century makes him the first Australian to achieve this milestone in a one-day international. His teammates were in sheer disbelief and swarmed him in celebration, hardly able to comprehend the spectacle they had just witnessed.

Leon Osamor