Glenn Maxwell produced one of the most remarkable innings in World Cup history when he made an unbeaten 201 from 128 balls against Afghanistan in Mumbai on November 7, 2023. Australia had slumped to 91 for 7 while chasing 292 before Maxwell and Pat Cummins completed the chase.
Afghanistan made 291 for 5 after batting first. Australia’s chase looked unlikely when seven wickets had fallen, but Maxwell’s power, placement and running between the wickets—despite severe cramps—kept Australia in the match. He finished unbeaten as Australia reached the target in 46.5 overs, winning by three wickets with 19 balls remaining.
How the chase turned around
Afghanistan’s total put pressure on Australia’s top and middle order. By the time Maxwell was joined by Cummins, Australia had lost most of its recognised batters and still needed a substantial number of runs. Maxwell began taking greater risks, finding boundaries and clearing the rope as the required rate continued to climb.
Maxwell’s movement became increasingly difficult because of cramps, but he continued to strike the ball cleanly. His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes, a combination that allowed him to score at an extraordinary pace while remaining at the crease until the end.
Pat Cummins’ support at the other end
Cummins scored an unbeaten 12 from 68 balls, prioritising survival and giving Maxwell the strike whenever possible. The pair’s unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 202 runs transformed the match. Their partnership was a reminder that a lower-order batter can contribute vital value by protecting the other end, even when their own scoring rate is modest.
Why Maxwell’s 201* was historic
- Recovery from 91 for 7: Australia were close to defeat before Maxwell’s innings changed the match.
- Double-century in a chase: he became the first men’s ODI batter to score a double-century while chasing in a World Cup match.
- Fitness under pressure: severe cramps restricted his movement, making his ability to continue scoring especially striking.
- Qualification impact: the win kept Australia’s campaign on course for the semi-finals.
The innings was not simply a boundary-hitting display. It required Maxwell to manage pain, judge risk, use the depth of the crease and decide when to attack. Cummins’ role in holding one end helped make the comeback possible.
Match result and context
Afghanistan: 291/5 (50 overs). Australia: 293/7 (46.5 overs). Australia won by three wickets. The match was played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
For a linked look at the tournament’s qualification picture, see our coverage of Afghanistan’s win over the Netherlands and the guide to calculating Net Run Rate.
Sources
- ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup: official tournament coverage — match results and tournament context.
- ESPNcricinfo — historical scorecards and ball-by-ball records for the Australia–Afghanistan match on November 7, 2023.
Updated October 26, 2026. The article’s previous description understated Maxwell’s boundary count; the verified 201* scoreline and match context are now presented clearly. Original URL retained.
