After playing arguably one of the greatest innings in One-Day Internationals, Glenn Maxwell still found space for a lament: that he had ridden his luck at times as he scored an unbeaten 201 to help Australia cross the line at the Wankhede Stadium against Afghanistan.
Batting first, Afghanistan had piled on 291/5 and then reduced Australia to 91/7 by the 19th over of the second innings. It was then that Maxwell took over and put Afghan batters to the sword despite cramping severely throughout the innings.
He collapsed to the ground at times, and could only powerwalk his way through singles. But so dominant was his batting that his partner in the middle, Pat Cummins, only needed to score 12 runs off 68 balls.
Maxwell scored 201 off 128 balls with 21 fours and 10 sixes. He earned a second life when batting at 33 after Mujeeb Ur Rahman dropped a sitter at short fine.
“It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock, but I had my chances, to make the most of it tonight was something I can be proud of,” Maxwell said after securing victory. “(This is) Amazing because after the first two games, people were quick to write us off. The belief was always there (as a team), after today, it would have gone a bit higher.”
Talking about the conditions, he said: “It was hot while fielding today, I haven’t done a lot of exercise in the heat, it got a hold on me today. I wanted to stay back and get some movement (on my legs).”
Asked what were his plans when the team was 92/7, he said: “Not too much, just stick to the batting plans as much as possible, for me, still be positive, still look to play my shots.”
Australia captain Cummins was at a loss for words to describe Maxwell’s innings.
“Ridiculous! Don’t know how to describe it. Great win! It has got to be the greatest thing that has ever happened. One of those days people will say yeah, I was at the stadium for this game. He (Maxwell) was great, he was calm. He always had a plan. Even from 200 behind to be able to win the game that way, it was really special,” he said.
