Exactly one year back, I witnessed history in the making. It was 7th November, 2023 and there I was in the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
I was there to watch the ICC World Cup match between Australia and Afghanistan. If I was being completely honest, I had just bought the tickets on a whim after seeing how cheap they were.
I am so glad I did!
After Afghanistan had posted a competitive total of 291/5, they were able to restrict the might Aussies 91/7 at one point. Glen Maxwell and captain Pat Cummins were at the crease.
And then I witnessed the greatest knock in ODI history.
Maxwell got injured in the midst of his innings and was pretty much hobbling, unable to run. But that did not affect his footwork. He kept smashing the bowlers left, right, and center.
On the other end, Pat Cummins played smart cricket to ensure Maxwell never had to run between the wickets.
Maxwell made the impossible task look so easy while playing on one leg. Australia chased down the target with 19 balls to spare.
Maxwell finished it off in style with a six to not just win it for Australia, but also score his first ever double century in ODI cricket.
It is strange that I still remember that day so vividly. I never actually thought I would go and I never thought I would stay for the second innings.
I went by myself, as I do with most things. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, even though I wasn’t the one playing.
It reminds me of all the fighters I have come across in my life. Those men and women who have beaten all the odds to win at life.
It reminded me of the great emperors of the past, the great industrialists and politicians of our time. It also shows me the future leaders who will fight and entertain us.
I have a great respect for those individuals who have braved the tough times to succeed. It inspires me to move overcome the tough times that I am currently experiencing and come out the winner.
Nobody is coming to save us. The only solution is to fight and win.
