Glenn Maxwell has produced a mind-boggling 201 to earn Australia an unlikely three-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the Cricket World Cup.
Chasing 291, Australia looked well on course for defeat when Afghanistan reduced them to 91-7 after just 18.3 overs.
However, Maxwell - back in the team after a concussion - hit an outrageous 201 from just 128 balls, recording 21 fours and 10 sixes in the process.
He shared a 202-run eighth wicket partnership with Pat Cummins, who only chipped in with 12 from 68 deliveries as his batting partner took centre stage.
As much as Maxwell will deservedly take the plaudits, the defeat is harsh on Afghanistan who appeared on course to catapult themselves into the top four and a provisional semi-final berth.
"ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING!" 😳
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 7, 2023
Glenn Maxwell with an UNBELIEVABLE innings to help Australia beat Afghanistan. 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/Fjj9BG1h6u
Ibrahim Zadran batted the entire 50 overs, producing an unbeaten knock of 129 from 143 balls to help guide his nation to 291-5.
Each of the other six batsmen all made double figures without making more than 35, yet their total seemed more than enough when Australia were well and truly on the rack.
Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan all took two wickets apiece, with Travis Head and Josh Inglis each departing for ducks.
Nevertheless, it was then time for Maxwell to produce one of the sport's most famous-ever performances, particularly given his recent recovery from concussion and having to cope with the energy-sapping conditions in Wankhede.
Even when Maxwell was struggling to run between the wicket, he let his hitting doing the talking, helping Australia home with 19 balls to spare.
Australia will now finish in second or third in the group, a clash with South Africa in the last four already set up, while Afghanistan will now need a big win over South Africa to have any chance of edging out New Zealand or Pakistan for fourth spot.
Germany
Hungary
Scotland
Switzerland
