Glenn Maxwell’s scintillating knock of 201* in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 game against Afghanistan at Wankhede stadium has been hailed as one of the greatest ODI knocks in history. Chasing 292 for victory, Australia had slumped to 7-91 in the 19th over, with their hopes of a World Cup semi-final berth in some jeopardy. Maxwell had other ideas though, as he displayed remarkable courage and character to take Australia home. He was unable to run properly between the wickets because of back spasms and full-body cramps, but he finished undefeated on 201 off 128 deliveries, confirming victory with 19 deliveries remaining, and a sealing a spot in semi-final against South Africa.
The heat and humidity left Maxwell in a state where his mobility was severely hampered. The back spasms struck first, before cramp also set in. He was left to hobble between wickets, and required medical treatment at the end of most overs after reaching his century. Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, decided to avoid running and remain at the non-striker’s end to give Maxwell the opportunity to hit only boundaries. But his situation was so bad that Adam Zampa was ready to come in to bat on a couple of occasions.
But Ben Jones, the Australian team physio, convinced Maxwell that if he went out, he would not be able to come back to bat again. Once you go off with that much cramp, there’s no guarantee your muscles would loosen up enough to get back out there.
Afghanistan could only blame themselves for grassed chances when Maxwell was on 24 and 33, the second a regulation chance at short fine-leg for Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Had Maxwell been dismissed then, Australia would have been in dire trouble at 112-8.
Instead, destiny decreed that Maxwell play one of the unforgettable knocks in the 48-year-long history of cricket’s showpiece tournament.