Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell wrote his name into the record books as he smashed a historic double century to lead Australia to a miraculous win over Afghanistan in their ICC Cricket World Cup match at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
Maxwell’s unbeaten 201* off 128 balls, which included 21 fours and 10 sixes, is not only Australia’s first-ever ODI double century but also the 11th instance of a double hundred in 50-over cricket. His performance overtook Shane Watson’s 185* against Bangladesh in 2011 and became the highest individual score in an ODI run-chase, surpassing Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman’s 193 against South Africa in 2021.
This double ton Maxwell also made history as it surpassed Zimbabwe’s Charles Coventry’s 194 against Bangladesh in 2009 as the highest score a non-opener in ODI cricket history. Moreover, it is only the third instance of a double hundred in ODI Cricket World Cups, with Chris Gayle and Martin Guptill being the other two instances.
The partnership of 202 runs between Maxwell and skipper Pat Cummins surpassed the highest-ever partnership for seventh wicket or below in ODIs. Maxwell’s performance was so remarkable that he reached his double ton in just 128 balls, making it the second-fastest double century in ODIs, with India’s Ishan Kishan holding the record with 126 balls against Bangladesh last year.
In addition to his batting heroics, Maxwell’s 10 sixes in the match propelled him to third place among players with the most WC sixes, with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and West Indies legend Chris Gayle above him.
Despite Afghanistan putting up a challenging 291/5 in their innings, Australia found themselves in a dire situation at 91/7. However, Maxwell’s heroic stand with Cummins led the team to victory, with Maxwell battling through heat and cramps to secure the historic win. His performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
With six wins in eight games, Australia has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup, alongside India and South Africa. On the other hand, Afghanistan will have to win their upcoming game against South Africa in order to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.