An exhausted Glenn Maxwell said surviving a couple of early scares was the inspiration for playing one of the all-time great ODI innings as Australia beat Afghanistan in Mumbai.

The Baggy Greens were 91-7 chasing 292 to win with their qualification on the line.

And Maxwell blasted a staggering 201 off 128 deliveries — all while suffering from cramp that prevented him from running and twice saw him nearly retire hurt.

The 35-year-old walked out to a hat-trick ball, was given out LBW before seeing the decision reversed on 27 and was dropped on 33.

Skipper Pat Cummins provided just 12 off 68 deliveries in a partnership of 202 and his star turn cut a satisfied — if tired — figure after clinching the victory.

Maxwell said: "I feel shocking!

"Luckily enough, I was able to stick it out until the end.

"There wasn't too much of a plan. I felt like if I'd defended my way through that they would have been able to put pressure on.

"After the LBW appeal that was going over the top I told myself I needed to start playing some shots and be a bit more proactive."

Maxwell was chanceless after those early missed opportunities, smashing 186 from his next 89 deliveries after being dropped.

Captain Pat Cummins described the knock as "one of the greatest ODI innings" but his superhuman all-rounder played that down.

He said: "I certainly had my chances.

"I led a charmed life out there and I was very lucky to make the most of that.

"To take that chance and go on with it tonight is probably the most pleasing thing.

"To be not out with Patty at the end there is something I'm really proud of."

Australia secured their place in the semi-finals with the victory.