Australia trailed 91/7 but was able to chase 292 thanks to Maxwell’s double century.
Australia has advanced to the WC 2023 semi-finals as a consequence.
Previously, Ibrahim Zadran broke a record ton, and Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Naveen-ul-Haq destroyed Australia.
Afghanistan is led by Zadran and Rashid to 291/5
Afghanistan chose to bat first, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Zadran handled Australia’s opening spell with finesse.
Despite Gurbaz’s departure in the opening Powerplay, Rahmat Shah and Zadran worked together to push Afghanistan over 130.
In the middle overs, Zadran also batted with Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Centurion Zadran held one end, but Afghanistan went from 233/5 to 291/5, thanks to Rashid Khan’s explosive cameo.
Australia benefits from Maxwell’s landmark knock
Naveen defeated Travis Head for Australia in the second over. In his outstanding opening spell, Naveen also got rid of Mitchell Marsh.
Then, on consecutive balls, Azmatullah dismissed Josh Inglis and knocked over David Warner.
Before reaching 100 runs, Australia lost Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, and Marnus Labuschagne.
To pursue the total, Maxwell and Pat Cummins added 202 runs. The former was often dropped.
After Australia fell to 91/7, Maxwell delivered a scorching blow that rallied them.
In the second half, despite playing through cramps, he was the only one who could get Australia home. In anguish, he stood and gave his delivery.
While Maxwell and captain Cummins shared a 202-run stand, Maxwell scored the most of the runs.
In the 33rd over, he scored his century, and it took him just 14 more to get his double-ton.
The first Australian to get a double century in an ODI
In ODI cricket, Maxwell has became the first player from Australia to score two centuries.
Shane Watson, who had previously held the record for Australia’s greatest individual score in the format, was eclipsed by him.
In 2011, in Mirpur, the former Australian batsman crushed Bangladesh with an unbeaten 185*.
In ODI cricket, Maxwell is also the first player to score two tons while chasing.
First non-opener to break the ODI double-ton record.
In ODI cricket, Maxwell became the first player who wasn’t an opener to score a double century.
The highest ever ODI score by non-opener came in 2009 in Bulawayo when Charles Coventry of Zimbabwe scored 194* against Bangladesh.
The greatest ODI individual score from number six or below was formerly held by Indian superstar Kapil Dev, who was surpassed by Maxwell (175* vs Zimbabwe, Tunbridge Wells, 1983 WC).