Glenn Maxwell smashes an unbeaten 201 labelled ‘greatest ODI innings ever’ to secure Australia’s semi-final berth

Glenn Maxwell has stunned the cricketing world smashing an unbeaten 201 off just 128 balls rescuing Australia from its first defeat to Afghanistan.

The dynamic all-rounder battled chronic cramps after bowling 10 overs in the scorching Mumbai heat as he dismantled the Afghanistan attack thumping 10 sixes and 21 fours.

At one point the Victorian dropped to the ground clutching his hamstring but the 35-year-old returned to his feet albeit with limited movement to thump the first double century in an ODI run chase.

Chasing 293 Maxwell came to the crease with Australia sitting precariously at 4/49 and he was still there as Mitchell Starc departed with the score at 7/91.

Captain Pat Cummins joined Maxwell at the crease and scored just 12 runs from 68 balls as they combined for a 202 run partnership to clinch an unlikely victory with 19 balls to spare.

“Maxi was just out of this world. It’s got to be the greatest ODI innings that has ever happened,” Cummins said post-match.

“Just ridiculous. I don’t know how you describe that.”

Around the world cricket fans were left in awe of Maxwell’s incredible power hitting.

“Glenn Maxwell unbelievable! The most remarkable thing you’ll probably ever see in cricket,” commentator Ian Smith said as Maxwell sealed the win and double century with a six.

“Staggering absolutely mind blowing what a win and he should not have to walk off the park he should be carried off!

“What a performance.”

“This is the greatest ODI innings ever. It might be the greatest innings of any kind ever,” added former England captain Michael Vaughan on the BBC.

Sachin Tendulkar posted on X: “From Max pressure to Max performance! This has been the best ODI knock I’ve seen in my life.”

“My goodness Maxi,” added England’s Ben Stokes with three stunned emojis.

Maxwell brought up his century off 76 balls but did not have a chance to celebrate as cramps kicked it sending him to the ground grimacing in pain.

For the rest of the innings Maxwell required medical attention regularly and his footwork was limited as he admitted to serious pain.

“Horrific, I feel shocking,” Maxwell said after his innings.

“It was obviously quite hot when we were fielding, I haven’t done a whole lot of high intensity exercise in the heat. It certainly got a hold of me today… I was lucky to stick it out until the end.

“Everyone wrote us off after two losses, we’ve won six in a row now and I hope that belief passes around our changing rooms.”

Maxwell’s 201 not out by the numbers is a historic innings for both an Australian and at the ODI World Cup.

It is the highest score by a number five or lower, the first double century by an Australian, just the third double century at a World Cup, the first 200 in the second innings of an ODI and second fastest double ton in an ODI.

Afghanistan will rue their missed chances having dropped Maxwell on 27 and 33 and an lbw review with going his way with all three opportunities happening within 12 balls.

“Really disappointed. Cricket is a funny game, it was unbelievable,” Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said.

The victory confirms Australia’s berth in the semi-finals leaving New Zealand and Pakistan the main contenders for the final spot in the top four.

Meanwhile Afghanistan leaves itself with a slim chance of qualifying for the final four needing a victory against second placed South Africa in their final game and praying results fall in their favour.

Australia lost their first two matches to India and South Africa – who both sit first and second respectively – but have gone on to win their next six putting the team in good shape heading into the knockout stages.