Destiny Holds Maxwell’s Hands
He had fallen off a Golf Cart a few days ago, barely survived the hat-trick ball from Azmat Omarzai, was dropped at mid-off by Hashmat Shahidi off a miscued slog, was given out LBW just to be reprieved by a dramatic DRS reversal and then in the same over of Noor Ahmed was dropped again at short fine leg by Mujeeb ur Rehman ( a dolly it was, a poor effort from Mujeeb). Maxwell was at a nascent stage then. What unfolded thereafter, was the greatest ODI innings ever played in World Cup history ( edging past the 175 by Kapil Dev at the 1983 World Cup ). It appeared as if, destiny was holding Maxwell’s hands and guiding him to the finish. As if the inevitable was ordained from the Skies.
Ibrahim Zadran Shines As Afghanistan Post A Fighting Score
The all important fixture between Afghanistan and Australia was held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Make no mistake, Afghanistan are no longer minnows of cricket and have grown in stature by every match they have played. They have been methodical, skilfull, audacious and full of purpose and intent. On the back of Ibrahim Zadran’s brilliant century ( the first for Afghanistan in World Cup history ), Afghanistan compiled a fighting 291 against a strong Australian bowling attack.
Brilliant Afghan Bowling Has Australia Reeling
The chase was looking ominous for the Aussies as Naveen ul Haq prized out Travis Head and Mitch Marsh with two superb deliveries and then Azmat Omarzai knocked over Warner and induced a healthy edge of Josh Inglis the very next ball to have Australia 4 down, in no time. Maxwell survived the hat-trick ball, his edge not carrying to the keeper. But the slide continued. Labuschagne was run out, Stoinis played a terrible reverse sweep to Rashid Khan to be adjudged LBW ( he had no clue which way the ball was going ) and Mitch Starc was caught behind ( he had not nicked but surprisingly did not review ). Australia were reduced to 91 for 7 and staring at an imminent defeat, when Pat Cummins walked in.
Maxwell Dropped Twice As the Tide Begins to Turn
The Afghans were running away with the game, that too with a huge margin which would have dented Australia’s net run rate and propelled that of Afghanistan. A further two points for the Pashtuns would have taken them to a position of strength, for a semi-final qualification. However, the Afghans had a 10 minute brain fade period, wherein they dropped Maxwell twice. The drop by Mujeeb was a sitter ( he had dropped a similar one against New Zealand as well ) and Maxwell made them pay, big time.
Maxwell – A Man Possessed
A colossal innings followed from Maxi, the Big Show. He played like a man possessed , knowing firmly enough that it was his day and nothing could stop him. The powers from above were with him. He counter attacked with great ferocity. By each passing boundary he struck, the belief in the Afghan camp began to dwindle. The shoulders began to drop in the field, the look on their faces transformed from a positive sheen to utter concern. Pat Cummins on the other hand continued to block and shut down one end completely. It was now Maxwell against the rest.
The Big Show Fights Pain But Delivers
The heavy humidity and the pressure of the situation led to severe cramps in the lower back and legs of Maxwell. He could barely stand. The physio did what he could, but with every shot that Maxwell played an excruciating pain engulfed him. But he refused to give up, just dealing in boundaries, unable to take singles. Adam Zampa came down thrice from the Pavilion to replace Maxi, but was sent back. The Afghans tried everything but to no avail. Whatever was thrown at Maxwell, reached beyond the ropes in double quick time. The Big Show was unstoppable. His determination, his will and grit to overcome the pain and the target, was on display. The Wankhede stadium and the world bore witness to a miracle unfold, in Maxwell’s style.
An Unbelievable Victory
After 21 fours and 10 sixes and 201 runs undefeated, Glenn Maxwell led Australia to an unbelievable victory, breaking several records on the way. Captain Pat Cummins too played his part to perfection, remaining not out with a priceless 12 of 68 balls. His innings too was invaluable, akin to gold dust.
Stunned Afghans
The Afghans were distraught no end. They had missed out rather badly. Dropped catches might just hurt their chances of going further in the tournament. Mujeeb may have sleepless nights for some time. In hindsight, they could have done a few things differently. May be they could have packed the onside field and bowled wide to Maxwell to make him fetch the ball, which might have induced a mis hit. But that was not be. However, the warriors from the north can still walk with their heads held high. They played extremely well and had Australia on the mat, it’s just that a miracle was destined to happen.
What a match it was. Glenn Maxwell has etched his name in cricketing history as one of the Greats of the Game, for sure. And yes, Australia have qualified for the Semi-Finals. I had not given them a chance, seeing their performance before the World Cup. However, the fact is that Australians are a different breed in big tournaments, and they have proved it yet again.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in