Commentators are finding it hard to describe what Glenn Maxwell did against Afghanistan on Tuesday night. 34-year old Maxwell smacked the first double century by an Australian and first while chasing in what seems to be an insurmountable task at once.
New Zealand commentator Ian Smith, a seasoned observer of the game, couldn’t help but marvel at Maxwell’s extraordinary display, declaring it an innings that defied all logic and expectations.
“It’s easy to say it’s the greatest, but I’ve never seen anything like it,” Smith remarked, his voice laced with awe. “I doubt I’ll ever see anything like it again.”
Maxwell’s innings was a masterclass in determination and reselience, the talent and ball striking power he has got, there is no target big enough to not be tumbled down by Maxwell’s bat.
My goodness Maxi 😮😮😮
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) November 7, 2023
Also, in this innnings, Maxwell defied the limitations imposed by physical constraints. “He played like he had no legs,” Smith observed, emphasizing the sheer determination that fueled Maxwell’s performance. “He just had arms and a will.”
The commentator’s words captured the essence of Maxwell’s defiance, highlighting the mental fortitude that enabled him to push beyond his perceived limits. His performance was not just about scoring runs; it was about demonstrating the indomitable human spirit, the ability to rise above adversity and achieve the seemingly impossible.
Smith’s comparison of Maxwell’s innings to the legendary 2019 World Cup match further underscored the magnitude of the achievement. “To be able to sit up here in this commentary box and reflect on it, describe it right up there with 2019 and that great game of cricket there,” Smith stated, his voice filled with admiration.
"I've never seen anything like it!"
Ian Smith reacts to Glenn Maxwell's double century in the Cricket World Cup. pic.twitter.com/1IXUv49MWt
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 7, 2023
Australia were 91/7 while chasing 293 runs. Despite being in a difficult situation, Maxwell decided to remain positive and plays his shots consistently. Good thing was, he focused more on through the ground shots and not tried anything too risky with the bat.
At some moment in the commentry box, Shane Watson said that this innnings from Maxwell was out of the planet. Honestly, nobody has seen anything like that in more than 45 years of ODI World Cup history. Once again, if there was a guy who could achieve this, he was only Glenn Maxwell.
Maxwell’s heroics not only propelled Australia to a remarkable victory but also secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals. They will now face South Africa in the knockout stage, carrying the momentum of Maxwell’s extraordinary performance.
“I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Ian Smith reacts to Glenn Maxwell’s double century in the Cricket World Cup. pic.twitter.com/1IXUv49MWt
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 7, 2023
