The thirty ninth match of the ODI World Cup 2023 between Australia and Afghanistan supplied cricket followers around the globe with an unforgettable and thrilling contest. In enthralling encounter, Glenn Maxwell emerged because the hero, guiding Australia to victory in a nail-biting encounter. Whereas Afghanistan put up a commendable combat, their dream of securing their first-ever ODI victory over Australia remained unfulfilled on this heart-pounding showdown.
Afghanistan’s gritty efficiency
Afghanistan gained the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for an intense battle. They managed to put up a aggressive whole of 291/5 of their allotted 50 overs. The standout efficiency within the Afghan innings got here from Ibrahim Zadran, who performed a pivotal position of their quest for a historic win with a formidable unbeaten century – 129 runs. Rahmat Shah additionally made a priceless contribution, including 30 runs from 44 balls, whereas Rashid Khan showcased his all-round talents by scoring a speedy 35 runs from simply 18 deliveries.
Australia’s Maxwell present
Australia’s chase acquired off to a rocky begin, with early wickets falling quickly. Travis Head was dismissed for simply 4 runs, and the scenario regarded dire for the Aussies. Nevertheless, it was Maxwell’s time to shine. Maxwell performed a panoramic knock, scoring an impressive double century that left spectators in awe. His 201 runs got here from simply 128 balls, that includes twenty one fours and ten sixes – a show of power-hitting at its most interesting.
Maxwell’s brilliance ignited hope within the Australian camp, and it wasn’t lengthy earlier than the tide started to show of their favour. With the help of his teammates, Maxwell’s distinctive innings saved Australia in rivalry.
Additionally READ: Rashid Khan & Co. meet up with Irfan and Yusuf Pathan in Mumbai – ODI World Cup 2023
An exciting end
Because the match reached its climax, Afghanistan continued to combat valiantly. Rashid, Naveen ul Haq, and Azmatullah Omarzai every picked up two essential wickets, guaranteeing that the competition remained neck and neck. The stress within the stadium was palpable because the match hung within the steadiness.
Ultimately, Maxwell’s brilliance and composure underneath stress prevailed. He steered Australia to victory regardless of scuffling with cramps, securing a win within the closing moments of the sport. Afghanistan’s valiant effort had come near creating historical past, however they fell agonizingly in need of their first-ever ODI victory towards Australia. With the win, Australia additionally secured a spot within the semi-final.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
Maxwell has maxed it. What an innings #AUSvsAFG congratulations on a stupendous century @Gmaxi_32
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) November 7, 2023
Congratulations to Staff Australia on a rare victory! Unbelievable innings from @Gmaxi_32! #Cwc23 #AUSvAFG
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) November 7, 2023
After dropping Maxwell catch, that is the very first thing that got here to my thoughts
80s & 90s children will know. pic.twitter.com/96HayQB59q
— Sarang Sood (@SarangSood) November 7, 2023
Warrior Mentality 💪
Bodily down however mentally at an all time excessive! Maxi, you little beast. 🙌#PlayBold #AUSvAFG #CWC23 #GlennMaxwell @Gmaxi_32 pic.twitter.com/p6NBrvBCMX
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) November 7, 2023
Wow , Afghanistan on fireplace.
Maxwell surviving that lbw might nicely see him go in Mata aa gayi mode. Needs to be attention-grabbing to look at #AUSvAFG— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 7, 2023
Noticed this coming. 200 in a run-chase, One of many all time nice in the future innings by Maxwell. @Gmaxi_32 was a person possessed and
nice help by @patcummins30 . An innings to recollect for an extended very long time . #AUSvsAFG https://t.co/ClOM3NdSJf pic.twitter.com/nQ8uNVh1af— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 7, 2023
That is precisely why we will by no means rely Australia out#maxwell
— Abhi and Niyu (@abhiandniyu) November 7, 2023
Maxwell’s place in historical past simply acquired assured. It needs to be the best white ball innings performed
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2023
That is particular bowling by afghan pacers to this point. WOW #AFGvAUS
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 7, 2023
Glenn Warrior Maxwell..!! #AUSvsAFG pic.twitter.com/wVxOMHgvXf
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 7, 2023
Afghan Jalebi 🥳🥳
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 7, 2023
Afghanistan, on a regular basis you’re telling us why you’re turning into a severe, particular cricket staff.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2023
A type of solely Glenn Maxwell might have pulled it off freaky centuries on a freaky evening on the Wankhede #AusvAfg #CWC23
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 7, 2023
That is completely implausible from Afghanistan .. and the spinners haven’t even bowled but .. #CWC23
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 7, 2023
Full drama at Wankhede. Afghanistan has 3 slips for Australia in a World Cup match.
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) November 7, 2023
An Afghanistan medium-pacer bowling to an Australian batter with three slips in place underneath lights on the Wankhede Stadium with Australia correctly underneath the pump seems like an Australian fever dream however tells you extra about how good Afghanistan have been #CWC23 #AusvAfg
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) November 7, 2023
Maxwell, now forgive Afghanistan; they made a giant mistake by dropping your catch. #AUSvsAFG
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) November 7, 2023
What a rare innings by Maxwell. He might have ridden his luck however thereafter, he has taken the assault to the opposition in such dramatic fashion that with Afghanistan in a profitable place, they began pondering they wanted to defend!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 7, 2023
This can be a warrior innings by Glenn Maxwell. pic.twitter.com/gq9cQavphM
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 7, 2023
