‘What a line’: Epic commentary makes Glenn Maxwell’s World Cup knock ‘even better’

Glenn Maxwell’s double century at the World Cup was as good as it gets in cricket, but the epic commentary took it to a whole new level.

Great commentary can elevate a sporting moment to another level, and Ian Smith absolutely nailed it when he called Glenn Maxwell’s double century at the World Cup.

Maxwell singlehandedly saved Australia with an astonishing innings of 201 not out off 128 balls to claim a three-wicket win over Afghanistan and book a spot in the World Cup semi-finals.

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The knock broke all sorts of records, most notably becoming the highest ever ODI score by an Australian male and the first ever double century scored in an ODI run chase.

Maxwell’s efforts were even more remarkable given Australia were 7/91 at one stage, still requiring more than 200 runs to chase down Afghanistan’s total of 295.

The double century featured 21 fours and 10 sixes, and Maxwell brought up the victory in style when he flicked the ball off his pads for a six to bring up his 200.

Smith exclaimed in commentary: “Maxwell hits it high! Can it make it? It does make it. Glenn Maxwell, unbelievable! The most remarkable thing you’ll probably ever see in cricket.

“Staggering. Absolutely mind-blowing. What a win. And he should not have to walk off the park, he should be carried off! What a performance.”

Ian Smith did Glenn Maxwell’s double century justice. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

Ricky Ponting added: “I’ve watched and played a lot of cricket and I’ve seen nothing like that. Nothing like this game of cricket.

“It is something you will never, ever see again in international cricket.”

Smith delivered another brilliant line of commentary earlier in the innings as Maxwell continued to bludgeon boundaries despite being hampered by fatigue and crippling cramps.

“He’s got nothing but hands and will,” Smith said, as Maxwell used skill and brute strength to flick balls over the rope.

“He should not have to walk off the park, he should be carried off!” (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP)

Cricket fans were full of praise for Smith, who once again nailed a historic moment after he was behind the microphone for England’s win over New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final and did a sterling job, despite being a Kiwi himself.

Fox Cricket commentator Mark Howard posted on X: “Do yourself a favour…And turn up the volume as the best in the business Ian Smith calls the socks off it!”

Excitement at its peak.
Ian Smith about Maxwell.🗣️🎤
He should not walk off.
He should be carried off.#AUSvsAFG#AUSvAFG#AFGvAUSpic.twitter.com/fZJxGdUSbK

— Wickets and Sixes (@wicketsandsixes) November 7, 2023

Big shout out to Ian Smith who made Glenn Maxwell’s World Cup 201* even better with his fantastic 📺 commentary #WorldCup2023

— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) November 8, 2023

"He's got nothing but hands and will" what a line from Ian Smith. #Maxwell#CWC23

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) November 7, 2023

Ian Smith knows how to call the big finishes - that is indeed one of the most remarkable things you’ll ever see on a cricket field.

— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) November 7, 2023

Smith said while it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, he doubts cricket will ever witness another innings like Maxwell’s again.

“It’s easy to say it’s the greatest but I haven’t seen anything like it and I doubt I’ll ever see anything like it again,” the veteran commentator said after the game.

“I don’t know if there are any other cricketers in the world that could do what he did.

“At one stage he played like he had no legs. He’s just arms and a will.

“To sit up here and describe it, right up there with 2019 and that great game of cricket because this has just captured the imagination. Special, absolutely special. Glenn Maxwell, one of a kind.”

Australia plays one more game against Bangladesh on Saturday before turning their attention to a semi-final against South Africa next Thursday.

Originally published as ‘What a line’: Epic commentary makes Glenn Maxwell’s World Cup knock ‘even better’