Xtra Time Web Desk: Glenn Maxwell’s scintillating knock of 201* in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 game against Afghanistan at Wankhede stadium is hailed as the greatest ODI knocks in history. Chasing 292 for victory, Australia had slumped to 7-91 in the 19th over, their hopes of a World Cup semi-final berth fading away. Maxwell had other ideas though as he displayed remarkable courage and character to take Australia home. He was unable to run between the wickets because of back spasm and full-body cramps. He finished undefeated on 201 off 128 deliveries, confirming victory with 19 deliveries remaining, and a spot in the semi-final against South Africa.
The Victorian cricketer was in a state where he could not run as well. He was literally struggling with a back spasm that has troubled him. To make matters worse cramps also set in, leaving him with no other option than to hobble between wickets. He required medical treatment at the end of most overs after reaching his century. Australian captain Pat Cummins decided to avoid running and remain at the non-strikers end to give Maxwell the opportunity to hit only boundaries. The situation one time got so worse that Adam Zampa was ready to come in to bat.
But Australian team physio Ben Jones convinced Maxwell that if he goes out, he will not be able to come back to bat again. Because once you go off with that much cramp, there’s no guarantee you’re going to get back out there.
Afghanistan could only blame themselves for grassed chances when Maxwell was on 24 and 33, the latter a regulation chance at short fine-leg from Mujeeb-ur-Rahman. Had Maxwell been dismissed early, Australia would have been in dire trouble at 8-112.
As destiny holds, Maxwell played one of the greatest ODI knocks in the history.