Australia beat Afghanistan by three wickets in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 encounter in Mumbai on Tuesday thanks to the 'Glenn Maxwell Show' at the Wankhede stadium. The star all-rounder scored an unbeaten 201 to steer the Aussies to the semis of the marquee tournament. Chasing a formidable target of 293, the five-time champions were in a spot of bother. (Highlights | Scorecard | Pics | Full Coverage)
Afghanistan bowlers were all over the Oz batters with the latter sitting at a precarious 91/7 at one time. However, Maxwell turned the tables as his powerful knock helped the Men In Yellow to take control of the game. He was well supported by their skipper Pat Cummins (12 off 68 balls) who shared an unbeaten 202-run stand for the eight wicket.
Also Read: AUS Vs AFG: Limping Glenn Maxwell's 'Walk Of Fame' At Wankhede Stadium Is ICC Cricket World Cup's Best Moment Yet - Watch
The 35-year-old hit 10 maximums and 21 fours to reach towards 201 as the Afghans were left in disbelief. 'Maxi' rode his luck in the game as he was dropped on 33 by Mujeeb Ur Rahman as well as
In one of the videos shared by ICC on Instagram, shows Maxwell battling cramps and exhaustion on his way to the double hundred. As he lied on the ground, he seemed to have emulated the move from The Undertaker of the WWE. Australian physio Nick Jones, who rushed to the ground to check on the all-rounder however the latter denied to walk away from the field as it was an important moment in the game.
As the Aussie struggled to get back on the field, WWE fans and the ICC noticed the similarities between Maxwell and The Undertaker.
Following his blistering kock of 201, he also became the first Aussie player to slam a double century in ODI cricket. Furthermore, Maxwell's knock is also the second-fastest 200 in the ODIs, after India's Ishan Kishan (126 balls).
Glenn Maxwell has now become the first Australian player to slam a double century in ODIs. He also recorded the second-fastest 200 in ODI history, after India's Ishan Kishan (126 balls).
