AUS vs AFG: Glenn Maxwell in "mata aa gayi mode" smashes 201, Sehwag, Ben Stokes and other cricketers react to Australia's win

Was there anyone who could stop Glenn Maxwell? The "Bigshow" put on an incredible performance for the crowd at Wankhede Stadium, leading Australia to victory and securing their spot in the semi-finals. Despite being injured, Maxwell, along with skipper Pat Cummins, guided Australia to a 3-wicket win against Afghanistan in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023. They chased down 292 after being at a precarious 91/7 at one stage.

When Cummins was asked to describe the match, he said, "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."

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Not just the fans at the stadium, but even former cricketers and netizens expressed their disbelief at how Afghanistan lost an almost-winning game. Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, and many others took to social media to express their joy at witnessing one of the greatest ODI innings.

With his 201 off 128 balls, Maxwell became the first Australian player to score a double hundred in ODI history.

Fastest double hundreds in ODIs (by balls):

126 - Ishan Kishan (IND) vs BAN, Chattogram, 2022

128 - Glenn Maxwell (AUS) vs AFG, Mumbai WS, 2023

138 - Chris Gayle (WI) vs ZIM, Canberra, 2023

During the first innings, Ibrahim Zadran played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's performance, enabling them to set a challenging total of 291/5 when they batted first. Zadran, opening the innings, remained unbeaten with a remarkable 129 runs from 143 balls, making him the first Afghan cricketer to achieve a century in ODI World Cups. Alongside Zadran, Rashid Khan provided valuable support with a rapid 35* from 18 balls.