Afghanistan vs Australia: Glenn Maxwell 'proud' of dazzling double ton; internet dubs him as 'superhuman'
By Sunita Iyer | First Published Nov 8, 2023, 9:18 AM ISTIn a three-wicket victory over Afghanistan on Tuesday, Glenn Maxwell, who was batting on one leg, handled his bat like a butcher's blade and delivered an incredible double century to propel Australia into another ODI World Cup semifinal.
Glenn Maxwell, in a state of exhaustion, described Tuesday night as "his own" after delivering a superhuman effort that even his captain, Pat Cummins, hailed as the "greatest ever" ODI knock. Cummins closely witnessed Maxwell's extraordinary 201-run performance, despite battling painful cramps, which left Afghanistan stunned. Thanks to 'Mad Max' Australia beat Afghanistan by three wickets at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium to secure a spot in the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals.
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At the post-match presentation, Maxwell expressed pride in his performance, despite a couple of chances the Afghans missed when Australia was in a precarious position. He said, "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."
For Cummins, who watched the world record partnership of 202 runs unfold, it was an unforgettable moment. He exclaimed, "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."
Maxwell expressed frustration with critics who had prematurely written off the Australian team after two consecutive losses to India and South Africa. He said, "Amazing, 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."
Maxwell attributed his cramps to the extreme heat and his lack of pre-game physical preparation. He stated, "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)."
When Australia found themselves at a dire 92 for 7, Maxwell emphasized the importance of sticking to the team's batting plans and maintaining a positive mindset. He said, "Not too much (plans), just stick to the batting plans as much as possible, for me, still be positive, still look to play my shots."
Maxwell's DRS review, which saved him from an lbw decision, also encouraged him to go on the offensive. He explained, "That lbw. It was going just above (the stumps), probably that made me be more proactive. A hint of swing and nip (off the surface), as it happens here under lights, they bowled beautifully to exploit that."
Cummins praised Maxwell's composure and planning, saying, "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."
Following this effort by Maxwell, the internet went berserk and called the Australian all-rounder a 'superhuman'. Here's a look at some of the reactions on X:
Maxi you are the superhuman 🦘 pic.twitter.com/tD7Wk6OBCw
— __vic__ (@vickal_gupta)The whole Wankhede crowds supporting and chanting "Maxwell, Maxwell" when he laid down due to cramps.
Glenn Maxwell - The Superhuman, The big show...!!!pic.twitter.com/L9plGg0kpI
Glenn Maxwell's superhuman effort yesterday was perhaps what Kapil Dev's 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983 would have felt like, to the audience, I guess!
— Karthik 🇮🇳 (@beastoftraal)Australia even with bad form are more dangerous than any 100% fit team.. what a board .. they have consistently found superhuman players every decade.. this decade belongs to Glenn Big Show Maxwell.. Take a bow champ🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
— Ball Wrecker (@ball_wrecker)🙏 Good Morning 🙏
*ICC Cricket World Cup 2023*
~ A superhuman effort (201 off 128 balls) from Glenn Maxwell has seen Australia qualify for the semi-final in the World Cup.
He hit 21 fours as well as 10 sixes. pic.twitter.com/dIV3DtpGRQ
Absolutely Superbbbb! MAXWELL THE YELLOW MONSTERRRR, SUPERHUMAN OF CRICKET, EVEN WITHOUT MOVING LEGS HE HAS HIT 'EM. pic.twitter.com/OziEI9pRiJ
— Syed M. Kumail Raza Rizvi~ (@BadAndDark4Life)He: Does Superhuman exists?
Me: Yes, Just look at Glenn Maxwell pic.twitter.com/9OQwdIC8uw
Australia had less than 1% win probability chance at one point. (ESPNcricinfo).
Glenn Maxwell won the match from that situation for Australia - This is Unreal, Glenn Maxwell is the Superhuman...!!!! pic.twitter.com/zpI4j6uzFx
No pain, no gain
Superhuman ✌️
Staff from Glenn Maxwell
You know I am your big fan and I like AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli too. pic.twitter.com/M36wGwjy4g
*🔰No pain, No gain 💪*
_Superhuman stuff from Glenn Maxwell 🫡_
_#AUSvAFG pic.twitter.com/9nHzO3Q7uG
Never seen anything like this..
Absolutely incredible ! Impossible!
Superhuman Glen Maxwell 🐐 pic.twitter.com/6uPxfmbS72
: Glenn Maxwell's ‘Superhuman’ innings helps Australia beat Afghanistan by three wickets pic.twitter.com/N3s5TVKn8r
— upuknews (@upuknews1)Your will takes you places your body can't!
Glenn Maxwell, you SuperHuman!
A big "I was there at the Wankhede" moment for lifetime! pic.twitter.com/kavdeZSKrr
I don’t think any batsman has hit such humungous sixes without any foot movement. This is superhuman stuff from Maxwell!
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