Was that the greatest ever ODI knock? Australia captain Pat Cummins, who had the best view of Glenn Maxwell’s 201 not out from the non-striker’s end, is sure about that.
Chasing 292 against Afghanistan in Mumbai, Australia were 91/7 and staring at a defeat when Maxwell produced an innings that Ricky Ponting felt was “nothing like I’ve seen before.” Fighting cramps and humidity, some sharp bowling and mounting scoreboard pressure, Maxwell found gaps and hit sixes to launch Australia into the semifinals.
“I mean, just ridiculous. I don’t know how you describe this,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation after Australia’s three-wicket victory. “Great win but Maxy was out of this world.
“It’s got to be the greatest ODI innings that’s ever happened. We were just chatting and I think it’s just one of those days where you go, yep when that happened, I was here at the stadium. And we feel very lucky to be here.”
Where does this innings rank for Maxwell?
“It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock,” said Maxwell. “I certainly had my chances. I led a charmed life out there, I was very lucky and I suppose I just made the most of that. I feel like I have had those types of innings before where I’ve been given a chance and I haven’t had the most of it. So to make the most of it and go on with it tonight has probably been the most pleasing thing. To see it out, being with Patty [Pat Cummins] at the end is something I am really proud of.”
Cummins was involved in an unbeaten 202-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Maxwell, of which Cummins’s contribution was only 12 runs.
“Couldn’t get strike!” said Cummins with a smile. Did he have something to say to Maxwell in the middle? “You let Maxy actually do his thing. I mean, how am I gonna say anything to someone who’s playing like that,” the Australia captain said.
“He was great. He was calm. Whenever you’re chasing, he’s always got a plan. Even from 200 behind, he still mapped me out a way to win the game and it was really special. Zamps [Zampa] was on and off about three times but Maxy wanted to stay out there,” Cummins added.
This win didn’t just confirm a semifinal spot for Australia but also sent a reminder around of what the team is capable of, especially when there’s a World Cup to be won.
“I think it was important,” noted Cummins reflecting on the win. “Not only for our team thinking that you can win from anywhere, but I think the opposition look at that as well… when you start mapping your 50 overs out with that in mind, you maybe use your bowlers a little bit differently. You have to.
“Real belief [in the side] and you know, obviously into the semi finals now. It’s great.”
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said he was “very disappointed” and rued the dropped chances but only had words of praise for Maxwell.
“Very disappointed. Cricket is a funny game, it was unbelievable for us,” Shahidi said. “We were in the game, our bowlers started very well and the dropped chances hurt us. After that, Maxwell didn’t stop, he played every kind of shot and I can give credit to him.
“I think the dropped catches were the key, after that Maxwell played really well. Our bowlers tried their best but he didn’t give us any chance. Proud of the team, but we will be disappointed tonight. We didn’t think it would be this way, part of the game. This is cricket. We will try to come back strong against South Africa.”
