Glenn Maxwell pulled off one of the most insane innings in Cricket World Cup history, dragging Australia back from the brink against Afghanistan. With Australia down seven wickets and still needing over 200 runs, Maxwell started slow but survived two early chances thanks to dropped catches and an overturned LBW call. From there, he unleashed a barrage of shots in every direction. At one point, he was barely able to stand, cramping severely and needing medical treatment mid-innings, but he refused to leave. He stopped running and started swinging from a stationary stance, still managing to launch boundaries and sixes using only timing and hand speed.
Maxwell went full survival mode, unable to use his legs but adapting his approach to keep scoring. His partner, Pat Cummins, mostly just stood firm and let Maxwell take the lead. With Afghanistan unable to bowl him out and missed chances behind them, Maxwell kept the scoreboard moving purely with his bat. He reached a double century, finishing at 201 not out, while no one else on his team passed 24 runs. Cummins scored just 12 but stayed alive through 68 balls, giving Maxwell the time he needed. Together, they chased down the 292-run target in what looked like an impossible situation.
It was a one-man rescue act. Maxwell not only scored two-thirds of Australia’s runs, but did it through extreme pain, changing his entire technique mid-game to accommodate cramps. The win stunned Afghanistan and turned Maxwell’s innings into one of the craziest solo performances the sport has seen.