Glenn Maxwell played one of the greatest innings in World Cup history, scoring an astonishing unbeaten double century as Australia beat Afghanistan by three wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday.

Glenn Maxwell played one of the greatest innings in World Cup history, scoring an astonishing unbeaten double century as Australia beat Afghanistan by three wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday.

Afghanistan appeared poised for a famous win over five-time champions Australia at the floodlit Wankhede Stadium, reducing the score to 91 for seven wickets after setting a victory target of 292.

But the Afghans then watched in disbelief as Maxwell launched an extraordinary counterattack. With captain Pat Cummins accompanying him, Maxwell took Australia past Afghanistan's total of 291 for five wickets with 19 balls to spare.

The legendary victory saw the Aussies qualify straight for the semi-finals of the World Cup as they now sit third in the points table with 12 points and still have one game to play.

The 35-year-old remained unbeaten with 201 off 128 balls powered by 21 fours and 10 sixes. Dubbed as 'Big show', Maxwell claimed the highest scoring record in the chase in ODIs.

Earlier, the record was set by Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman, who scored 193 against South Africa in Johannesburg.

In total, Maxwell hit 21 fours and 10 sixes during his knock - many of them on one leg, and the last six sealed the victory and also produced his double century. Maxwell secured the highest score in ODI chases with his double century, surpassing the previous record of Pakistan's Fakhar Zaman, who had scored 193 against South Africa in Johannesburg.

“Horrible, I feel shocking,” Maxwell said. “It was pretty hot when we were on the field, I didn't do a lot of high-intensity training in the heat. Today it got to me, I was lucky that I made it to the end.”

Cummins remained unbeaten with 12 off 68 balls but more importantly added 202 for the unbroken eighth wicket partnership.

Afghanistan held numerous meetings at the ground but could not find a way to dislodge Maxwell, who was dropped on 33 by Mujeeb Ur Rahman off the bowling of Noor Ahmad.

Maxwell was also ruled out before the wicket in the same game against Noor, but the batsman managed to successfully overturn the umpire's decision on appeal.

The 35-year-old also suffered from cramps and was unable to run while playing non-footwork shots in the last few overs.

Glenn Maxwell became the first ever batter to score a 200 in a chase in ODIs and also the first player to score two centuries in a WC edition by batting at number 5 or lower.

Highest scores while chasing in ODIs:

• 201* - Maxwell v Afg, 2023 - Won
• 193 - Fakhar v SA, 2021 - Lost
• 185* - Watson v Ban, 2011 - Won
• 183* - Dhoni v SL, 2005 - Won
• 183 - Kohli v Pak, 2012 - Won