Virat Kohli, India’s batting superstar, has hailed Australia’s Glenn Maxwell in appreciation of his insane knock against Afghanistan during the ICC World Cup 2023. Today, November 7, also marks the first anniversary of Maxwell’s amazing knock.
Afghanistan had batted first and posted a competitive target of 292 in front of the multiple-time world champions Australia. In the reply, Australia was quickly reduced to 91/7 and Afghanistan smelled a huge upset at hands.
However, with Pat Cummins, the captain, holding one end up, Glenn Maxwell began hammering the Afghan bowlers to all parts of the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. As the target got near, Maxwell began cramping badly due to the heat in Mumbai and it reached a point where he was struggling to complete a single.
Maxwell decided to just swing his bat while standing in the crease as he was unable to use his feet and ended up taking Australia to the win with a stunning knock of 201* with 21 fours and 10 sixes, while Pat Cummins stayed unbeaten on 12 after playing 60 deliveries.
This was the first ODI double ton by an Australia and the first by a non-opening batter in ODI history.
In Glenn Maxwell's recently released autobiography, his RCB teammate, Virat Kohli stated that it was surreal to see the Aussie legend at the venue and felt he was the only cricketer capable of doing it.
“When he had the night of his life in Mumbai against Afghanistan, I was thrilled for him on a personal level. I knew it would also make life more difficult for my Indian team, with Australia believing they could win from anywhere, but I was able to keep those thoughts separate while watching from Bangalore.
I missed some of the innings after Australia went four down. The game was moving so quickly in Afghanistan's direction, and knowing their spinners, it would get no easier. Checking in as he and Pat Cummins rebuilt, I said half-seriously that with Maxi there, anything could happen,” Kohli stated as per Maxwell’s autobiography.
“By the time he reached his century, I genuinely thought he was going to win it. I've seen what it's like when Maxi gets hold of a team, and it felt like this was one of those nights. Yet to think he would end up with a double century was another layer of unbelievable.
The whole cricket world was glued to those final stages, as he kept bombing sixes on one leg, without a helmet too. Going down time and again with cramps, limping for singles - it was compelling drama, and so was Maxi.
When it was over, I texted him along those lines: that he was a freak and a madman. In my view, he is the only player in the world capable of doing what he did. Concluding with such a milestone was perfect, capping an unparalleled knock,” Kohli added.
Kohli went on to remember the banter he and Maxwell shared during the final, claiming that theirs is a hallmark of a good friendship.
Kohli went on to recall the banter he and Maxwell had during the final, adding that it is a sign of a solid friendship.
"Twelve days later, in the final, when Maxi threw the ball back in, I instinctively stuck up a hand and blocked it. Earlier in our careers, with so much on the line, you can guarantee there would have been an altercation. But now? We pretended to fight for a second before starting to laugh. That's exactly as it should be - competitive but respectful,” Kohli stated.
