'Glenn Maxwell wouldn't have hit 200 in Kabul' - Taliban's Anas Haqqani recalls Afghanistan’s 2023 World Cup loss to Australia

Divy Dubey

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'Glenn Maxwell wouldn't have hit 200 in Kabul' - Taliban's Anas Haqqani recalls Afghanistan’s 2023 World Cup loss to Australia image

India's neighbours Afghanistan have been at the centre of some unforgettable World Cup moments in recent years. Few games stand out as much as their heart-breaking 2023 ODI World Cup match against Australia in Mumbai where Glenn Maxwell produced one of the greatest one-day innings of all time.

Now, Taliban leader Anas Haqqani has revisited that night - offering a controversial take while speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast.

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Anas Haqqani's remark on Glenn Maxwell's double-century

Asked whether he was shocked by Maxwell's innings, Haqqani responded that it was "a good thing" Afghanistan were not at home for that match. He suggested Maxwell "wouldn't have hit 200 in Kabul," describing the knock as a tragedy even from a cricketing point of view.

"About Maxwell, it's a good thing that he was very far from us that night. He wouldn't have hit 200 in Kabul. It was a tragedy even from cricket's point of view. Then next year in T20 World Cup, we defeated them," said Haqqani.

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Glenn Maxwell's 201* stuns Afghanistan in Mumbai

The match Haqqani referred to remains one of cricket's defining World Cup moments. Afghanistan had posted 291 - powered by Ibrahim Zadran's unbeaten 129.

They then restricted Australia to 91 for 7 in chase of 292. But Maxwell - cramping heavily and barely able to move his feet, played through the pain to smash 201 not out off just 128 balls.

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His stand with captain Pat Cummins carried Australia to an improbable three-wicket win and into the semi-finals.

Afghanistan's redemption in T20 World Cup 2024

Less than a year later, Afghanistan got their revenge. In the Super Eight stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gulbadin Naib's four-wicket haul helped bowl Australia out for 127 in St Vincent.

Maxwell threatened again with a 59 but Naib dismissed him and sealed Afghanistan's historic first win over Australia across formats. That turnaround remains a defining chapter in Afghanistan's cricketing journey - from heartbreak in Mumbai to jubilation in St Vincent.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.