World Cup 2023: 'Was trying to be positive,' says Glenn Maxwell on his unbeaten double century against Afghanistan

Glenn Maxwell on Tuesday said that his main motive was to stick to his plan and stay positive during Australia’s run-chase against Afghanistan in their 2023 Cricket World Cup clash in Mumbai.

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With Australia reeling at 91/7 at one stage during their chase of 292, Maxwell almost single-handedly took the five-time champions over the finish line, scoring an unbeaten 201 in the process. Maxwell was involved in an unbeaten 202-run stand with skipper Pat Cummins, as Australia ensured their spot in the semi-finals.

“It was basically to stick to our batting plan. I suppose for me it was still trying to be positive, still trying to take them on and trying to produce bad balls or something else I could score off,” said Maxwell after he received the Player of the Match award.

Maxwell survived an LBW dismissal off Noor Ahmad’s delivery in the 22^nd over, with the ball-tracking showing that it had just gone over the wicket. Maxwell said that it was at that time, when he got a reprieve, he felt he needed to be more proactive with his shots.

“That LBW, it was going just above (the stumps), probably that made me be more proactive. A hint of swing and nip (off the surface), as it happens here under lights, they bowled beautifully to exploit that. It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock, but I had my chances, to make the most of it tonight was something I can be proud of,” added the 35-year-old.

Maxwell did suffer a cramp during his knock and was treated by the physio in the 41^st over. Maxwell, however, was good to go shortly as he made things look easy in the chase.

Maxwell revealed how much he felt the Mumbai heat while fielding.

“It was hot while fielding today, I haven’t done a lot of exercise in the heat, it got a hold on me today. I wanted to stay back and get some movement (on my legs),” recalled the Melbourne-born cricketer