It was a record run-chase in Mumbai that began in earnest when Maxwell reached the pitch at the time when Australia lost its seventh wickets for 91 runs in the 19th over.

Afghanistan had posted a total of 291-5 after getting winning the toss and opting to bat.

Glenn Maxwell limped on his 147th run and crumpled onto the Wankhede turf, clutching his hamstring, his face clenched in pain.

As his muscles cramped, Maxwell jerked on the ground, his movements involuntary as his lower body took on a mind of its own.

An image of Maxwell lying flat on the pitch was used widely in memes, including one with captions “Meri lash sy guzar kr hi Pakistan ko bahir karo gy.” (You will have to trample over my body if you want to oust Pakistan from the World Cup tournament.)

Maxwell was down, but he was not out and he certainly wasn’t going to choose to be.

After winning the match Maxwell also won the hearts of thousands of social media users as a batsman made them amazed.

Some shared cartoons and said: “Glenn Maxwell deserved a cartoon tribute!”.

Indian fans compared Maxwell with Virat Kohli who played overwhelming innings in the last match.

The innings also shocked the Indian commentators.

The greatest of innings played, the match won, the semi-final spot secured, Maxwell stood and he stood tall.