Sourav Ganguly, a former Indian captain, recently praised Glenn Maxwell for his stunning double century against Afghanistan. However, he disagreed with the widespread belief that it was the best-ever ODI knock.
Maxwell smashed 201* off 128 deliveries, despite Australia being in serious straits at 49/4 and then 91/7. It aided the five-time world champs’ remarkable three-wicket victory.
Sourav Ganguly was questioned by media on the sidelines of the Delhi Capitals’ training camp in Kolkata if Maxwell’s innings was the finest in ODIs. He replied:
“No, no (would you rate this as the greatest innings in ODIs?). I have seen some fantastic innings from Sachin, from Virat. I have seen some fabulous innings. This is tremendous because of the situation he was in, because of the cramps, he couldn’t run. He was batting with the No. 9 (8), he kept hitting sixes. But Virat and Sachin also have played some great innings.”
Sourav Ganguly
While this was Maxwell’s fourth ODI century, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have a combined total of 98 ODI centuries.
Nonetheless, the swashbuckling batter single-handedly drove Australia to the semi-finals by defeating Afghanistan. In 136 One-Day Internationals, Maxwell averages 35.70 with a strike rate of 127.06.
“They should have won that match” – Sourav Ganguly on Afghanistan
Sourav Ganguly believes Afghanistan should have won the match against Australia except for some poor bowling and captaincy during Glenn Maxwell’s epic batting effort.
The Afghans lost two straightforward catches of Maxwell with only three wickets to pick up for a spectacular triumph. Furthermore, they were unable to unseat Aussie skipper Pat Cummins, who provided excellent assistance with 12* off 68 deliveries.
“They (Afghanistan) have been playing really well, they should have won that match, with all due respect to Maxwell. He has played an absolute blinder. Fantastic innings, not the greatest of bowling and captaincy (from Afghanistan), but fantastic.”
Sourav Ganguly
Maxwell, who had cramping late in his innings, astounded the Afghan bowlers with his ability to stand and deliver boundaries at will.
Afghanistan’s prospects of reaching the semi-finals were seriously harmed by the setback. They must now beat South Africa by unbelievable margins in their last match.
Meanwhile, Australia has secured their semi-final match with the Proteas, with one league-stage game remaining against Bangladesh on Saturday in Pune.
