Glenn Maxwell 201 Not Out vs Afghanistan (2023 World Cup) Explained: The Greatest ODI Chase, Collapse, and Comeback

On November 7, 2023 (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai), Australia vs Afghanistan in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup: Afghanistan had scored 291/5 in 50 overs. Australia were 91/7 in the 22nd over — 201 runs needed from 168 balls with only 3 wickets remaining. Glenn Maxwell, batting at No. 7, was cramping severely in his legs and had a pre-existing back injury. What followed is considered the greatest individual innings and the greatest ODI chase in history. Maxwell scored 201 not out off 128 balls. Australia won by 3 wickets, scoring 293/7 in 49 overs.

The Situation: 91/7, Cramping, and 201 Runs Needed

The context of Maxwell's innings: (1) Australia's collapse: Australia's top 7 batsmen collectively failed. David Warner (0), Mitchell Marsh (0), Steven Smith (1), Marnus Labuschagne (1), Josh Inglis (0), Alex Carey (12), Marcus Stoinis (3) — 7 batsmen dismissed for 91 runs. The collapse was spectacular and appeared terminal; (2) Maxwell's physical condition: Maxwell had been experiencing severe cramping in his legs throughout the innings. He had a pre-existing back injury (a longstanding condition) that limited his movement. Between balls, he was seen stretching, shaking his legs, and receiving attention. Several times he appeared close to retiring hurt; (3) The last batting options: Australia had Pat Cummins (No. 8, primary fast bowler), Mitchell Starc (No. 9), Adam Zampa (No. 10), and Josh Hazlewood (No. 11) remaining — none of whom were expected to bat for long. The realistic option for Australia seemed to be losing by approximately 100-150 runs; (4) The target: 201 runs from approximately 168 balls with 3 wickets remaining. Expected run rate: approximately 7.2 per over — above the required rate of 7.0. But with tail-end partners who could get out at any moment, the ask was considered well beyond impossible.

The Innings: Ball-by-Ball Overview

Maxwell's 201 not out — key moments: (1) The early phase (overs 22-35): Maxwell played carefully initially — taking singles, farming the strike, keeping Cummins protected. Australia's run rate was below the required rate but Maxwell was building stability. He scored at approximately 1 run per ball, rotating strike; (2) The acceleration (overs 35-45): Maxwell began attacking spinners. Afghanistan's Rashid Khan (their best bowler) was hit for boundaries. Maxwell's sixes came off hitting the ball over mid-wicket and through extra cover — despite his cramping, his hitting power was undiminished; (3) The first double century: Maxwell became the first Australian to score an ODI double century — and only the 5th player in ODI history to score 200+ in an innings (after Sachin Tendulkar 200, Martin Guptill 237 not out, Rohit Sharma 264, 209, 208, Chris Gayle 215); (4) The partnership: Maxwell and Cummins put on 202 runs for the 8th wicket — the highest 8th-wicket partnership in ODI history. Cummins's contribution: 12 not out from 56 balls — critical blocking, running singles, and surviving while Maxwell scored 189 off the other end; (5) The finish: in the 49th over, Maxwell hit the winning run. Australia won by 3 wickets (293/7 chasing 292) with 7 balls to spare. Maxwell was 201 not out off 128 balls (9 fours, 10 sixes) — strike rate 157.03.

Context: 2023 ODI World Cup and Australia's Title

The 2023 ODI World Cup context: (1) The tournament: the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup was hosted entirely in India (10 teams, round-robin group stage followed by semi-finals and a Final in Ahmedabad). India were the pre-tournament favourites, hosting the tournament and unbeaten in the group stage; (2) Australia's path: Australia's group-stage form was inconsistent — they lost to India and South Africa before Maxwell's innings vs Afghanistan. The win vs Afghanistan kept Australia's semi-final hopes alive; (3) Australia's semi-final: Australia beat South Africa in the semi-final (Kolkata) by 3 wickets — another close contest. Warner and Smith made contributions; (4) The Final: Australia vs India (Ahmedabad, November 19, 2023). India had been unbeaten throughout the tournament (10 wins from 10 group stage and knockout matches) and were overwhelming favourites on home soil. Australia won the Final — Travis Head scored 137 off 120 balls. Australia won by 6 wickets, chasing 241. Australia's 6th ODI World Cup title (the most of any nation). India were stunned; (5) Maxwell's tournament value: the Afghanistan win (Maxwell's 201*) was the inflection point of Australia's tournament — without that match, they would not have reached the semi-finals.