Pat Cummins makes bizarre cricket history in epic support of Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell stole the show in Australia's World Cup win over Afghanistan and captain Pat Cummins may have earned himself an unwanted record in the process. Maxwell shattered record after record in his monster 201 not out off 128 balls to save Australia and help his nation secure a semi-final place at the World Cup.

Australia was reeling at 7-91 with Afghanistan looking to keep their semi-final fight alive. Cummins came to the crease needing to anchor one end of the wicket, while Maxwell showcased his unique batting skills.

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And together they produced combined for 202 runs in an eighth wicket stand. This will go down as the highest in cricket history for an eighth wicket partnership.

While Maxwell may have stolen the show, Cummins did his job having faced 68 balls for 12 runs. Cummins knew his role and instead of throwing away his wicket on a dangerous pitch, he stuck it out with Maxwell.

Unfortunately, he may have earned himself an unwanted record having become the Australian with the lowest strike rate (17.64) after scoring more than 10 runs in a match. Regardless, it didn't stop him from taking a cheeky dig at Maxwell after the match.

"A lot of credit should go to Maxi, he played his role beautifully," Cummins joked on social media of their partnership. Maxwell responded with: "Pat Cummins was amazing out there. Sorry I knocked back a couple." Regardless, the cricket world was full of praise for Cummins' innings, which allowed Maxwell to steal the show, and the match, at the other end.

Pat Cummins praises Glenn Maxwell after all-time innings

Having watched on from the other end of the pitch out in the middle of Wankhede Stadium, Cummins made the huge call that Maxwell may have played the greatest innings ever in One Day International cricket.

"I think that's the greatest ODI innings," Cummins said. "It's the best I've ever seen, probably the greatest ODI innings ever.

"We're just chatting about it, all the players, and we've decided it's one of those days where you just go 'I was there in the stadium the day Glenn Maxwell chased down that total by himself'. It's just a one-man show.

"I'm up the other end and don't see any gaps in the field, don't see where I'm going to score a boundary - and yet it seems like every time he sees that, it still just runs away for four. It looks so easy. He still can't move, and yet still manages to hit a six over the third man with a reverse – he's a freak."

Maxwell also earned praise from legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers after the innings. And while Maxwell suffered from cramp during the innings, Cummins was confident the allrounder would back-up for Australia's next match.

Australia will now play South Africa in the semi-final of the World Cup with India's opponent still to be decided.

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