Maxwell pyrotechnics sink dumbfounded Afganistan – One of the best knocks in World Cup history. – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN ELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports editor)
Wankhede stadium in Mumbai has not seen pyrotechnics of this kind since India beat Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final, but this time it came from the bat of Australian freak Glenn Maxwell who smashed a memorable double century to sink Afganistan.
The Maxwell fireworks came at a time when Australia had their backs to the wall and appeared to be heading for another certain shock result in the World Cup.
He came to the crease with Australia tottering at 91 for 7 and left after a whirlwind innings that left the crowd and a numbed Afganistan in disbelief, as Australia scampered to victory with 19 balls remaining.
This innings by Maxwell will rate as the greatest ever in a World Cup and those fortunate to witness it will long remember Maxwell and a never- say- die Australian spirit.
The will to win saw Maxwell in supreme command taking centre stage, while his Skipper Pat Cummins watched in bemusement at the other end as he scratched and scraped to 12 off 68 balls.
It was an innings that cannot be easily forgotten as Maxwell smashed his way to an unbeaten 201 in 128 balls with 10 sixers and 21 fours.
Maxwell who was recovering from a golfing mishap requiring concussion protocols, showed little effect of his setback as he waded into the Afgan attack.
He lived a charmed life through it with dropped catches and favourable umpiring decisions that went his way, and made sure it counted in the end as he led Australia to the target almost single-handed.
The heat at Wankhede took its toll on Maxwell reducing him to mainly boundary hits, as he cramped and carried on in true yeoman fashion.
If there was a lesson on heroics to be learned, this was it.
Earlier, Afganistan batted with supreme confidence against a proven Australian attack to post 292 for 5, their highest total in World Cup history.
Ibrahim Zadran made an impressive 129 with 3 sixers and 8 fours while the rest around him made useful contributions to boost the total. Rashid Khan scored a quick fire 35 and took 2 for 44 in a losing effort.
The win sees Australia through to the semis in what should be a rousing encounter. India awaits either, New Zealand, Pakistan or Afghanistan.
The Afgans are still a mathematical chance to sneak into the semis.
If there is anyone who can stall the impressive India bullet train, it will be Australia or South Africa.
It will be a special year for the South Africans if they do it and celebrate with th Springboks who won the Rugby World Cup just weeks ago.
