Afghanistan vs Australia, 39th Match at Mumbai, World Cup 2023, Nov 07 2023 - Match Result

Glenn Maxwell, Player of the Match: It was obviously quite hot when we were fielding today. I haven't really done a whole lot of high intensity exercise in the heat and it certainly got a hold of me today and just luckily enough we came out with a plan to stay at the same end for a little bit until I could sort of get some movement back, luckily enough I was able to stay till the end. 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. Even with the lbw, that was just going over the top, that was probably the kick-start I needed to sort of tell myself to start playing my shots and be a bit more proactive. I think you obviously saw a little bit more swing and nip around under lights as it always happened throughout this tournament. Credit to them, they bowled absolutely beautifully upfront and put us on the back foot. What we struggled to do was take early wickets and put them under pressure, but credit to them, they bowled really well upfront. I feel like I had those types of innings before where I was given the chance and I haven't made the most of it so to make the most of it is probably the most pleasing thing, to be not out with Patty at the end is something I am really proud of.

I think after the first two games everyone was pretty quick to write us off and to come back and win six straight now is a great effort from this group. The belief is always there to win a game like tonight, hopefully that belief spreads through the change room.

Pat Cummins, Australia captain: Ridiculous. Don't know how to describe it. Great win! It has got to be the greatest thing that has ever happened. One of those days people will say yeah, I was at the stadium for this game. He always had a plan. Even from 200 behind to be able to win the game that way, it was really special. It is important to remember you can win from anywhere. Real belief in the team and we are in the semi-finals now, that's great.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan Captain: Very disappointed, cricket is a funny game. It was unbelievable for us. We were in the game, our bowlers started really well. The dropped chances hurt us at end of the day, we missed those moments and after that Maxwell didn't stop, credit to him. I think that catch was the key point. After that, he played really well, he had all the shots and didn't give us any chance. Our bowlers tried their best. Proud of the team; team will be disappointed tonight but it's part of the game. We will try our best to come stronger in our next game against South Africa. Ibrahim Zadran must be proud of himself. I am also proud. He is the first Afghan player to score a hundred on World Cup

It's time for some quotes from the match presentation

It's hard to wrap my head around what has just transpired! It's been a pleasure bringing all the action to you and watching this World Cup classic. It was a one-man army show from Maxwell who, against all odds, decided to take the game deep. Props to Pat Cummins for holding his end of the bargain and not capitulating to pressure. You have to applaud the perseverance, tenacity, resolve, fantastic game awareness, and self-belief that led to a stunning comeback in this game after being pegged back early on and tottering at 91/7. Afghanistan dominated this game for the most part but will rue the dropped chances that took the game away from them. They did most of the things right and should be very proud of their effort and overall performance in this World Cup. No team will take them lightly from here on; they have been a formidable opposition in this showpiece event. The noticeable improvement has been the calmness shown by the batters, and the tendency to collapse is no longer their Achilles' heel

An action-packed high drama World Cup blockbuster comes to an end with Australia emerging on top. Amid the turbulence and chaos, Maxwell kept his calm and despite losing the seventh wicket, he orchestrated a brilliant run-chase with some able support from Cummins. The night clearly belonged to the man, the myth, the legend - Maxwell. Australia have qualified for the semifinal with this victory!

Maxwell's amazing performance will be penned down into cricketing folklore and will be rejoiced and relived for ages to come!

Nitin Sharma : "Max show at par to Kapil's 175 in 1983"

Jey Santhosh: "I think Maxi's wicket is just around the corner. He is too tired to continue a loose shot is on the cards. Maybe time for Rashid?"

Arun: "Max got all the luck today, hope he has some in reserves for knock-outs!"