Pat Cummins had the most effective seat as Glenn Maxwell performed the innings of his life in opposition to Afghanistan to information Australia to the World Cup semifinals.
Australia was left reeling at 91 for 7 when Cummins walked out to bat. A defeat loomed however Maxwell battled cramps and guided the workforce home, with an unbeaten 201.
Whereas he dealt in fours and sixes, Cummins hung in there with an unbeaten 68-ball-12 and performed a key function in forging an unbeaten 202-run stand for the eighth wicket.
“It’s the best ODI innings that I’ve seen. It’s in all probability the best ODI innings ever,” Cummins mentioned on Tuesday, heaping reward on Maxwell.
“We had been simply chatting about it with all of the gamers and we’ve determined it’s a type of ‘I used to be there within the stadium’ days when Maxwell chased down that complete by himself…”
The Australian captain was hopeful of Maxwell recovering in time earlier than its sport in opposition to Bangladesh.
“I’m positive he’ll be high quality. He was cramping however I believe you noticed on the market how a lot he loves taking part in for Australia and may do something to play. So, I’m positive it’ll be high quality,” Cummins mentioned.
Whereas the Australian camp was elated with the win, it was heartbreak for the Afghans.
“We had obtained ourselves ready and we must always have capitalised our possibilities,” mentioned head coach Jonathan Trott.
Terming Maxwell’s knock as a ‘spectacular and world-class innings’, Trott felt that this defeat could be a studying for his workforce.
“It’s a very good lesson for our boys as a result of in case you take your eyes off the ball and suppose far forward, this sport can chew you shortly.
“It’s a disappointing loss however for a younger, growing facet you make sure that to learn the way cut-throat this sport is on the highest stage. It’s essential to be on our sport, not for 70 overs, however for 100 overs,” Trott mentioned.
Afghanistan takes on South Africa in Ahmedabad on Friday and the top coach hopes to bag two factors and keep within the hunt for the semifinal.