"We have seen this before" - Fans react to Glenn Maxwell's impactful knock in AUS vs AFG T20 World Cup Super 8 match
Australia's Glenn Maxwell roared back to form with a fine half-century in the team's Super 8 match against Afghanistan at Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown on Saturday June 22. Australia were required to chase down a tricky 149-run target in the clash.
The Aussies found themselves in a precarious position, losing their top order big guns early. Maxwell walked out to bat at No. 4 when Australia were 16/2 in 2.3 overs. The swashbuckling batter bailed his team out of trouble with a stunning half-century.
Maxwell scored 59 off 41 deliveries with the help of three sixes and six fours. While Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals, he gave them hope by playing attacking shots from time to time.
Afghanistan would have had flashbacks of Maxwell's match-winning 201* against them at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he took his team to a miraculous victory from the jaws of defeat.
Several fans took to X (formerly Twitter), pointing out how Maxwell once again played a clutch knock against Afghanistan in a World Cup match. Here are some of the top reactions:
A few fans recalled how Afghanistan seemed to be on top in the 2023 ODI World Cup match against Australia as well, only for Maxwell to spoil their party.
"Afg helping Maxwell get back in form. We have seen this before," wrote a fan.
"Glenn Maxwell would be 98 years old, on a wheelchair, unable to speak clearly, hands shivering, and he would still cross 10 runs at least against Afghanistan," commented another.
"Glenn Maxwell - The Nightmare Of Afghanistan," chimed in yet another.
Glenn Maxwell was the lone warrior for Australia as the remaining batters failed to make a significant impact. However, the pendulum swung in Afghanistan's favour after he perished to Gulbadin Naib in the 15th over.
Glenn Maxwell's heroics in vain as Afghanistan clinch thrilling 21-run win
Afghanistan avenged their 2023 ODI World Cup loss to Australia by trumping the Mitchell March-led side in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Australia were bundled out for just 127 in 19.2 overs as Afghanistan completed a 21-run victory. Gulbadin Naib stole the show with his bowling exploits, claiming the crucial wickets of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David and Pat Cummins.
Earlier in the match, Afghanistan registered 148/6 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were the top performers with the bat, scoring 60 and 51, respectively.