Shoaib Akhtar was left in awe of Glenn Maxwell and called his 201 not out against Afghanistan a miracle after Australia’s win on November 7.
Maxwell made history by scoring an incredible 201 runs in a match against Afghanistan during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. This feat was achieved under challenging circumstances, with Australia initially struggling at 91 for seven wickets, chasing a target of 292 set by Afghanistan.
Despite suffering from cramps, he managed to hit 21 fours and 10 sixes, the last of which came off the final ball of the match. His double century, scored from just 128 balls, is the highest individual score in a Cricket World Cup chase.
The match took place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. Maxwell’s performance was instrumental in leading Australia to victory over Afghanistan, securing their place in the semi-finals of the tournament alongside India and South Africa.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akhtar said it was a miracle of an innings and he had never seen anything like it. The former pacer doffed his hat to the all-rounder and said he could have given up at the time when he was suffering from cramps.
Akhtar feels that Maxwell was fueled by patriotism and wanted to help his team secure the win in the end.
“We saw a miracle. His legs and arms weren’t working. Glenn Maxwell vs Afghanistan. It was 91 for seven. Then one guy, Glenn Maxwell. There were two dropped catches, he could have gone first ball. But what an unbelievable innings that he played for Australia. I haven’t seen anything like this. I have been watching cricket for a number of years, but something like this, pulling it off with nobody behind him. He was just standing there and hitting sixes.”
“Hats off to him. He could have gotten retired hurt or given up, but he didn’t. It was true patriotism that was driving him that somehow Australia needs to get this two points. If they had lost this game, they would have been in big trouble,” said Akhtar.
