“I feel that is the best ODI innings,” a beaming Cummins instructed reporters.
Australia had discovered themselves in dire straits at 91/7 whereas chasing a formidable goal of 292 on the floodlit Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Maxwell then launched a rare assault on the Afghan bowlers, smashing an unbeaten 201 off simply 128 balls, an innings studded with 21 fours and 10 sixes. Cummins, who performed a supporting position with simply 12 runs, might solely stand and admireMaxwell‘s superlative efficiency.
“It is only a one-man present. It is similar to, it appears to be like really easy,” Cummins mentioned, referring to Maxwell’s unparalleled show of batting prowess. Regardless of affected by a number of cramps throughout his innings, Maxwell displayed resilience and continued to pile on the runs, incomes reward from his fellow teammate.
Australia vs Afghanistan: Glenn Maxwell’s ‘Superhuman’ innings seals nail-biting victory over Afghanistan for Australia
Maxwell’s extraordinary efficiency not solely secured an astonishing victory but in addition propelled Australia into the semi-finals of the World Cup, a event the staff has triumphed in 5 occasions earlier than.
“After I went on the market, I assumed if we will in some way scratch the 200, our web run fee needs to be fairly good for the semis,” Cummins defined, highlighting the strategic significance of enhancing the online run fee. “When Maxi bought his 100, I form of thought, ‘wow, we’re inside 120 or one thing’.”
Nonetheless, it was solely within the ultimate 20 minutes of the sport that Cummins and his teammates actually believed that victory was inside their grasp. “After which I nonetheless thought, ‘no means’. So, I reckon it wasn’t till the spinners have been nearly accomplished and there was perhaps 40 off 40 (balls) or one thing the place I assumed, ‘okay even when Maxie will get out right here, I reckon the opposite guys can get it accomplished.”
Maxwell’s extraordinary innings will go down in cricketing historical past as one of the crucial outstanding particular person performances, and it has left followers and fellow gamers in awe of his unimaginable expertise.
(With inputs from Reuters)
