In spite of injury, Glenn Maxwell scored a fantastic double century against Afghanistan to lead Australia into the World Cup semi-finals.

Maxwell came to the crease to face a hat-trick ball at 49-4 before Australia slumped to 91-7 chasing 292 in Mumbai.

Despite being dropped twice and suffering from cramps, he played a remarkable innings, often on one leg post century, to finish 201 not out.

He shared 202 with Pat Cummins (12*) as Australia won with 19 balls left in the innings.

As Afghanistan made 291-5 – with Ibrahim Zadran hitting their first World Cup century – they were well positioned to join Australia in the top four after a rampant start in the field.

Earlier in the tournament, he had already hit the fastest WC century against the Netherlands, and he returned to the Australia side after missing Saturday’s win over England.

The innings was truly breathtaking, with spectacular reverse sweeps for six and flicks and whips over the leg side.

First Australian to hit a double century in a men’s one-day international, he was mobbed by his ecstatic teammates.

The double century is the 11th in men’s ODI history, but the first by a non-opener and first while chasing.

With their sixth consecutive win, Australia sets up a semi-final against South Africa.