'Knock for the ages': Internet goes crazy over Maxwell's double-ton

The world witnessed a cricketing spectacle as Glenn Maxwell wreaked havoc on the Afghanistan bowling attack at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium in the 39th match of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Not a single bowler could contain him, though some credit must go to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who missed a crucial chance early in Maxwell's innings. If anyone had suggested that the Aussie would turn the game around from there, everyone would have had a good laugh.

Australia were struggling at 91 for 7 when the Maxwell-Cummins partnership ignited. Records tumbled, bowlers were pummeled, and the crowd roared, all thanks to one man - Glenn Maxwell.

Maxwell hammered 10 sixes and 21 fours on his way to an astonishing 201 runs off 128 balls, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 157.03. The contest had firmly favoured Afghanistan as Australia had lost seven wickets in their pursuit of 292 with not even a hundred runs on the board. However, Maxwell single-handedly left the Afghanistan fans and players heartbroken in Mumbai.

With his stellar performance, Maxwell propelled Australia to the semi-finals, finishing unbeaten on 201 from 128 deliveries.

The internet went crazy over the knock of Maxwell and rated it as one of the greatest knocks of all time.

Prior to this, Afghanistan's opening batter, Ibrahim Zadran, etched his name in history by becoming the first-ever centurion for his country in the ICC Cricket World Cup. Zadran achieved this milestone during the match against the five-time champions, Australia, at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. He carried his bat through the innings, scoring 129 from 143 balls, including eight fours and three sixes, at a strike rate exceeding 90.

Australia clinched a thrilling victory over Afghanistan by three wickets, securing their spot in the semi-finals. This remarkable innings also marked the first double-century by an Australian batter. Maxwell became only the third player in World Cup history to achieve this feat. With his team reeling at 91 for 7 and suffering from cramps, Maxwell displayed incredible resilience to reach a double century.