There are moments that stand out as defining milestones. One such moment unfolded in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 when Glenn Maxwell, the Australian all-rounder, delivered an innings for the ages. Shashi Tharoor, a prominent figure in the cricketing world, compared this remarkable feat to Kapil Dev’s historic 175* against Zimbabwe in 1983, and it’s not hard to see why.
When Glenn Maxwell walked onto the pitch, no one could have predicted the spectacle that was about to unfold. Australia found themselves in dire straits at 91/7, facing an uphill battle to chase down 292 runs against Afghanistan. Maxwell, known for his explosive batting, had a monumental task ahead of him, and to add to the challenge, he was battling with excruciating pain and physical limitations.
Glenn Maxwell was down with cramps, and his back was far from fully functional. In the face of adversity, he chose to stand his ground on one leg. This was cricket’s equivalent of a warrior going into battle with a handicap, and Maxwell was about to prove his mettle.
What unfolded was a masterclass in cricketing heroics. Maxwell defied all odds and logic by single-handedly taking on the Afghan bowlers. He wasn’t just hitting boundaries; he was decimating the opposition. A reverse lap for six, a pull for four between long-on and deep midwicket, and if he spotted a gap, he’d send the ball there with sheer precision and power.
With Pat Cummins, his partner at the other end, also struggling with physical discomfort, Maxwell decided not to run between the wickets. This meant that he faced the lion’s share of the deliveries. It was as if Maxwell had transformed into a modern-day gladiator, standing tall and resolute in the face of adversity.
His innings that day was not just about cricket; it was about pushing the boundaries of human capability. Functioning purely on adrenaline, Maxwell emerged as an immortal in the cricketing world.
He scored a staggering 201 runs from just 128 balls, leading Australia from the brink of defeat to the pinnacle of victory. His fearless performance not only secured a win for Australia but also propelled them to the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Shashi Tharoor Compared Glenn Maxwell’s 201* With Kapil Dev’s Historic Innings
Shashi Tharoor, a cricket enthusiast and well-known figure, was left awe-struck by Maxwell’s performance. He took to Twitter to express his admiration, comparing Maxwell’s heroic innings to Kapil Dev’s iconic 175* against Zimbabwe in 1983. Tharoor’s tweet read, “I never thought that, in my lifetime, I would see an innings to rival @therealkapildev’s immortal 175* against Zimbabwe in 1983. @Gmaxi_32 has just shown us all that miracles do repeat themselves. Just amazing. #WorldCup2023 #AUSvsAFG.”
The day had started with Ibrahim Zadran scoring the first-ever World Cup century for Afghanistan, setting the stage for an enthralling contest. His teammates, Shahidi, Rahmat, and Omarzai, also contributed to building a formidable total. Rashid Khan added a late flourish, allowing Afghanistan to set a challenging target.
However, Australia’s response was far from ideal. Travis Head was dismissed for a duck, and Shaun Marsh fell victim to Naveen, adjudged LBW. The situation went from bad to worse when Omarzai took two wickets in consecutive deliveries, leaving Australia at 49/4.
What happened next was nothing short of a miraculous turnaround, orchestrated by Glenn Maxwell’s extraordinary innings. He stitched together partnerships and relentlessly attacked the Afghan bowlers, taking Australia to an unlikely victory. It was a day when cricket fans witnessed a performance that will be remembered for generations.
