November 7, 2023, witnessed one of the most remarkable innings in ODI cricket history. Glenn Maxwell produced an extraordinary unbeaten double century against Afghanistan at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, rescuing Australia from a position that appeared almost impossible to recover from.
Chasing 292 for victory in the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, Australia were reduced to 91 for seven. With the match firmly under Afghanistan's control, Maxwell delivered an innings that changed the course of the contest and secured Australia's place in the semi-finals.
Ibrahim Zadran leads Afghanistan's innings
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first at Wankhede Stadium. Their innings was built around a superb performance from Ibrahim Zadran, who remained unbeaten on 129 from 143 deliveries.
Zadran became the first Afghanistan batter to score a century in the men's ODI World Cup. His innings included eight fours and three sixes, providing the foundation for Afghanistan's total.
Rahmat Shah contributed 30, while Hashmatullah Shahidi added 26. Rashid Khan provided a late boost with an unbeaten 35 from just 18 balls, helping Afghanistan finish strongly.
Afghanistan posted 291 for five in their 50 overs, setting Australia a target of 292. It was a competitive total, particularly given the pressure of a World Cup knockout qualification match.
Australia collapse under pressure
Australia's chase began poorly. Travis Head was dismissed for a duck, and although David Warner and Mitchell Marsh attempted to provide stability, Afghanistan continued to take wickets.
Naveen-ul-Haq and Azmatullah Omarzai struck important blows, while Rashid Khan removed Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Starc.
Australia slipped to 91 for seven in the 19th over. With several recognised batters already back in the dressing room, Afghanistan were firmly in control.
Maxwell, however, remained at the crease. Pat Cummins joined him after Starc's dismissal, and the pair began a partnership that would become one of the defining moments of the tournament.
Maxwell and Cummins produce a historic partnership
Maxwell initially had to rebuild Australia's innings while dealing with physical discomfort. As the innings progressed, severe cramps and back pain made movement increasingly difficult. Running between the wickets became a major challenge, but he continued to find the boundary and put pressure on the Afghan bowlers.
Cummins played a crucial supporting role. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, Australia's captain concentrated on staying at the crease and giving Maxwell the opportunity to control the chase.
Their unbeaten 202-run partnership for the eighth wicket set a new record for the highest eighth-wicket stand in men's ODI cricket at the time.
Maxwell reached his double century in extraordinary circumstances, becoming the first Australian man to score an ODI double hundred. His unbeaten 201 came from 128 balls and included 21 fours and 10 sixes.
Cummins finished unbeaten on 12 from 68 deliveries, underlining the contrast between the two innings within the same partnership. His contribution was not measured by the number of runs but by the support he provided at the other end.
Australia complete an extraordinary comeback
Maxwell's innings carried Australia beyond Afghanistan's total. The team reached 293 for seven in 46.5 overs, winning by three wickets with 19 balls remaining.
The victory confirmed Australia's qualification for the semi-finals and ended Afghanistan's hopes of reaching the last four in that edition of the tournament.
Maxwell was named Player of the Match for an innings that combined extraordinary batting with remarkable determination. His 201 not out became the highest individual score in a successful men's ODI World Cup run chase.
An innings remembered in World Cup history
Maxwell's performance at Wankhede was significant not only because of the double century but also because of the circumstances in which it was achieved.
Australia had lost seven wickets with more than 200 runs still required. Maxwell was battling severe physical discomfort, while Cummins had to remain patient and support him from the other end.
Together, they transformed a match that appeared to be slipping away from Australia into a memorable victory.
The innings remains one of the defining performances of the 2023 World Cup and a landmark moment in Glenn Maxwell's international career. On November 7, 2023, he produced a knock that will be remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in ODI cricket.
Match Summary
Afghanistan – 291/5 (50 overs)
Australia – 293/7 (46.5 overs)
Result: Australia won by 3 wickets.
Top performers:
Ibrahim Zadran – 129* (143 balls)
Glenn Maxwell – 201* (128 balls)
Pat Cummins – 12* (68 balls)
Rashid Khan – 2 wickets
Player of the Match: Glenn Maxwell
