Former Indian captain Virat Kohli has praised Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, describing him as a “freak.” The remarks came after Maxwell delivered probably the best ODI innings in World Cup history against Afghanistan on Tuesday.
In pursuit of 292, the five-time world champions were at 49/4 when Maxwell walked out to bat. The Australians were quickly reduced to 91/7 and on the approach of a humiliating loss. However, Maxwell delivered an innings of a lifetime to save Australia.
Despite being cramped and unable to move, Maxwell demonstrated excellent hand-eye coordination throughout his knock. He finished undefeated on 201 off 128 balls, including 21 boundaries and 10 sixes. He and Pat Cummins put up an undefeated 203-run stand to get Australia home with 21 balls to spare.
Following his knock, the entire globe bowed down to Glenn Maxwell, including Virat Kohli. The renowned Indian batter, who shared a dressing room with Maxwell when playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, referred to the Victorian as a freak.
“Only you could do this. Freak,” Virat Kohli wrote on his Instagram story.
Maxwell’s second century in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Previously, he recorded the quickest century in ODI World Cup history off 40 balls against the Netherlands.
He is Australia’s leading run-scorer in the competition, having scored 397 runs in seven matches at an average of 79.40 and a strike rate of 152.69.
“It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock” – Glenn Maxwell
hile it was one of the finest World Cup knocks ever played, Maxwell had his fair share of luck. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman missed a sitter, and another came up just short of Afghanistan captain Hasmatullah Shahidi. In addition, a lbw judgement was reversed following a successful review.
Maxwell noted at the post-match presentation ceremony that he is glad to have made the most of his opportunity.
“It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock, but I had my chances, to make the most of it tonight was something I can be proud of.”
Glenn Maxwell
Maxwell will next be seen in action when Australia plays Bangladesh in their final group game on Saturday in Pune.
