World Cup 2023: Glenn Maxwell was the big show – Aakash Chopra’s lauds all-rounder’s blitzkrieg knock

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed Glenn Maxwell after his whirlwind knock of 106 runs against the Netherlands at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Wednesday. Maxwell had the license to go berserk from the get-go as he smashed a 40-ball century, the fastest in the history of the World Cup.

The platform was laid down by David Warner, who scored 104 runs off just 93 balls with the help of 11 fours and three sixes. The southpaw stitched a crucial alliance of 132 runs with Steve Smith, who also got back into form to play an important knock of 71 runs.

Furthermore, he added another imperative partnership of 84 runs with Marnus Labuschagne, who contributed 62. Maxwell then propelled Australia’s score to 399 runs as he smashed nine fours and eight sixes. In the last 11 overs, Australia scored 132 runs, with Maxwell doing the lion share’s of the scoring.

“Australia decided to bat first after winning the toss and scored 399. What are you doing? Fours and sixes are being hit at the Arun Jaitley Stadium as though it is a Sarojini Nagar sale, fours and sixes on every ball as though they were on sale,” said Aakash Chopra on his YouTube Channel.

“They became 290/6 and then it looked like it would be a big thing if they reached even 350. But then came a storm named Glenn Maxwell – a century off 40 balls. Maximus, maximum, Maxwell, big show – we got to see everything. He hits sixes against fast bowlers with switch hits.”

The renowned commentator lauded David Warner, who scored back-to-back centuries to continue his purple patch in the ongoing showpiece.

“David Warner said that his wagon is back on track and he won’t let it derail now. He scored a century in the last match and a hundred here as well.”

Chopra added Australia will be happy with Steve Smith (71) and Marnus Labuschange (62) getting crucial runs in the middle order.

“Australia slipped a little when he got out as they were 244/2 and became 267/5. Wickets fell one after the other, although Steve Smith played well. He needed to score runs and he also finally got his rhythm. Marnus Labuschagne also scored runs. So everyone in focus did a good job in this match,” Chopra added.

Australia will next take on New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala on Saturday.