RR vs RCB: Glenn Maxwell's unbelievable CWC 2023 double ton mentioned as Wasim Akram drops huge 'IPL knockout' prediction

Former Pakistan National Cricket Team left-arm fast bowler Wasim Akram reminded fans of Australia National Cricket Team all-rounder Glenn Maxwell's unbelievable double century in the ICC Men's World Cup 2023 as he predicted that the star player would single-handedly win an IPL knockout match for the RCB.

Glenn Maxwell completely Maxwelled his way to a double-century in the 39th match of the ICC Men's World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 7 and took Australia to a miraculous win out of nowhere over Afghanistan. The win also secured Australia a place in the semi-final and they eventually went on to win the World Cup by defeating India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

While chasing 292, Australia were reduced to 7-91 in 18.3 overs against Afghanistan and almost every cricket fan thought that the match was over at that point. However, Glenn Maxwell had other plans as he batted exceptionally well despite battling cramps and was involved in a stunning partnership with Pat Cummins that took Australia home. Maxwell smashed an unbeaten 201 off 128 balls, with 21 fours and 10 sixes, and his knock is rated as one of the greatest in the history of ODI cricket.

Glenn Maxwell would be eyeing to produce a magical knock one more time to take RCB to glory in IPL 2024. Overall, Maxwell has been awful in the ongoing edition of the league as he has scored just 52 runs at an average of 6.50 and a strike rate of 123.80.

Despite his poor form, Wasim Akram backed Glenn Maxwell to pull off a stunning knock and steer RCB to a win in one of the knockout matches of Indian Premier League 2024. He also recalled Maxwell's sensational double ton to highlight his competitiveness.

“High risk, high reward. Glenn Maxwell will single-handedly win a knockout match for RCB. You have to stay calm with him in the dressing room. I know it’s frustrating. It must be frustrating for him as well," Akram told Sportskeeda.

“I know how Australians and especially Maxwell, how competitive he is and how much he wants to be successful. Remember his innings in the World Cup against Afghanistan, had cramps, couldn’t walk, played with one hand, and went on to score 200,” he added.

Even I had said that qualifying is not only tough but impossible - Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram also talked about the journey of the Faf du Plessis-led side in IPL 2024 and said that they proved doubters wrong by making it to the playoffs. Akram added that many thought that the MS Dhoni-starrer Chennai Super Kings would easily qualify for playoffs but it didn't happen as RCB took away that spot from 5-time champions.

"It was virtually kind of like a quarterfinal. Ise kehte hain jab kismat ki devi meharbaan ho, jab apko apnea ap mein belief ho team pe. (When fortune favours you and you have self-belief, then you tend to achieve the impossible)."

"Even I had said that qualifying is not only tough but impossible. They have proved everyone wrong. It’s an incredible story for RCB. That game will be written in the history of IPL," he added.

“We thought CSK would easily enter into the top 4 and it’ll be a fairytale ending for MS Dhoni. But again, uparwale ne kuch mana hua tha, kuch aur likha hua tha. Uparwala bhi unki help karta hai to khud ki help karte hain. (However, the almighty had written something else. Even God helps those who help themselves). There is a lesson to be learned from this RCB qualification. Luck favours the brave, never lose hope,” he said.

Meanwhile, the high-octane IPL 2024 Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals is scheduled to be held on May 22 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.