ICC World Cup 2023 AUS vs AFG: Big Show Glenn Maxwell Propels Australia To Historic Win At Wankhede - Match Through Images

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Superstar Glenn Maxwell, who orchestrated an incredible comeback for Australia, hit a record-breaking double-century to cap off a historic victory for Pat Cummins and company in Mumbai.

Australia was saved by "Big Show" Maxwell at the renowned Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, following a stunning batting collapse by the five-time champions Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.

Australia overcame the World Cup giant killers thanks to a late cameo from skipper Cummins, who scored 12 off 68 balls and stayed undefeated at 201 off 128 balls. Following South Africa and India, Australia is now the third side to advance to the ICC World Cup semifinals.

In an ODI run-chase, Player of the Match Maxwell crushed the record for the greatest individual score. Additionally, Maxwell's 201* is third-highest individual score in World Cup history.

Afghanistan was able to maintain control earlier when bowler Naveen dismissed explosive batsman Travis Head for 0(2) and shortly after trapping Mitchel Marsh LBW for 24(11). Together with the on-form pacer, Omarzai then dismissed Josh Inglis and David Warner in back-to-back deliveries, reducing Australia to 49/4 in 8.2 overs.

Ibrahim Zadran led the Afghanistan team in the just finished match as they batted first, helping them put a solid 291/5 on the board. As he batted first in the innings, Zadran made history by being the first player from Afghanistan to reach a century in ODI World Cups.He finished the innings undefeated with 129(143). In addition to Zadran, Rashid Khan contributed an 18-ball 35*.

Afghanistan gained the toss and chose to bat, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Zadran gave them a respectable start. Together, they scored 38 runs in the first stand, then Josh Hazlewood removed Gurbaz for 21 runs (25). After that, Zadran and Rahmat Shah put up 83 runs for the third wicket, which Maxwell broke.

Shah made a 30(44) error, and shortly after, Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was destroyed by Mitchell Starc for 26(43). In the 43rd over, Adam Zampa gave Australia another breakthrough. Glenn Maxwell caught Azmatullah Omarzai for 22(18). After that, Hazlewood dismissed Muhammad Nabi for 12(10).

Superstar Steve Smith and Cameron Green were left out of the Australian playing XI. Smith and Green were replaced by Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. One change was made in Afghanistan: Naveen-ul-Haq replaced Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Australia's victory has brought them up to 12 points and guaranteed them a spot in the World Cup semifinals. Australia's previous match against old rivals England ended in a 33-run victory, setting them up to face the big killers.