Glenn Maxwell breaks Fakhar Zaman's record

Glenn Maxwell played one of the greatest innings in the history of the World Cup, hitting an astonishing unbeaten double century, as Australia defeated Afghanistan by three wickets at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India, on Tuesday.

The legendary win saw the Aussies qualify for the semi-final of the World Cup directly as they now sit third on the points table with 12 points with one more match to play.

The 35-year-old remained unbeaten on 201 off 128 balls, powered by 21 fours and 10 sixes. Maxwell, who is referred to as 'Bigshow' claimed the record of the highest score while chasing in ODIs.

Earlier, the record was with Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman, who had made 193 against South Africa in Johanessburg.

Highest scores while chasing in ODIs:

201* - Maxwell v Afg, 2023 - Won

193 - Fakhar v SA, 2021 - Lost

185* - Watson v Ban, 2011 - Won

183* - Dhoni v SL, 2005 - Won

183 - Kohli v Pak, 2012 - Won

Regarding the match between Australia and Afghanistan, Ibrahim Zadran was the standout player as he became the first Afghani batter to score a century in the history of the World Cup.

While other Afghani batters failed to score big it was Zadran who came as an opener and stayed till the very end, helping his side to reach a good total.

Rashid Khan significantly supported Zadran during the last five overs as the all-rounder played a rapid knock, scoring 35 off just 18 deliveries with two fours and three sixes.

But it was all about Maxwell, who terrorised Afghanistan's bowlers and hit them all over the park as he snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

He had come to bat when his side was 49-4 after Josh Inglis had just lost his wicket for a golden duck. However, Maxwell got a life on two different occasions as he was dropped by Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mujeeb ur Rehman.

Maxwell was largely supported by Cummins who played a calm and sensible knock, scoring 12 runs in 68 balls.

The 35-year-old also suffered cramps and, in the last few overs, he was unable to run while also playing shots without using any footwork.

Glenn Maxwell became the first ever batter to score a 200 in a chase in ODIs and also the first player to score 2 centuries in a WC edition batting at No. 5 or lower.