MUMBAI (Web Desk) – A high-spirited knock from Glenn Maxwell helped Australia pull out a surprise win over Afghanistan despite suffering back-to-back blows in Mumbai clash of the World Cup 2023 on Tuesday.
Despite suffering cramps in right leg and being unable to run, the right-hand batter stayed at crease to seal the victory that has confirmed the Aussies berth in the semi-final round of the mega event. They have become the third team after India and South Africa to confirm their berth in the next round.
Australia’s run chase was unimpressive in the start as Naveen-ul-Haq struck in his very first over, getting Travis Head to nick one behind the wicket.
Mitchell Marsh attacked to pick up the scoring rate, but was eventually undone by a brilliant Naveen delivery, which skidded in and thudded into his pads and the umpire raised his finger after an appeal.
Azmatullah Omarzai's double strike soon reduced Australia from 49/2 to 49/4 in the ninth over. At this point, Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell reached the crease. The duo added 20 runs for the fifth wickets, before Labuschagne was run out by a splendid effort by Rahmat Shah.
Later, Maxwell was joined by Pat Cummins, who extended support to him by not losing further wicket. They build highest seventh wicket or lower partnership in the innings, with major contribution from Maxwell, who smashed unbeaten 201.
Earlier, a splendid 129-run unbeaten knock from Ibrahim Zadran helped Afghanistan set challenging target of 292 runs for five-time champion Australia.
Afghanistan were off to a characteristic solid start, courtesy Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The batters didn't give many chances to Australia, and maintained a healthy run rate.
Australia had a breakthrough when Gurbaz played an unusually aggressive shot off Josh Hazlewood and gifted a catch to Mitchell Starc.
Rahmat Shah scored 30 while Hasmat Shahidi made 26 runs in a bid to support Zardan at the crease. After their removal Rashid Khan supported him till final over with and his 35-run innings helped boost the total.
Earlier, Afghanistan won toss and decided to bat first against Australia. Both teams are hoping to claim their tickets for the semi-final stage.
Earlier Coverage
This looms as the biggest match in Afghanistan's cricket history as they take on five-time champions Australia to try and stay in the race for a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
If Afghanistan can win their two remaining matches at the World Cup they will qualify for the semi-finals, but their task will not be easy with a tough encounter first-up against Australia.
Afghanistan will be buoyed entering the clash following three consecutive victories that have breathed life into their campaign that started with what now looms as a costly defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in their tournament opener.
The five-time champions also made a slow start to the tournament with losses in their opening two fixtures, but have since found form to win five matches on the trot and move within striking distance of booking a place in the semi-finals.
Australia's hopes of qualifying look set to be boosted with the likely availability of key players Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell after the pair missed the victory over England on Saturday, though it would leave Pat Cummins' side with a selection dilemma as they try and squeeze all their stars into the XI.
It remains to be seen whether all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green make way for Marsh and Maxwell, or whether one of the specialist batters is set for a stint on the sidelines.
Australia have class players in every department, so Afghanistan will need to be at their best if they are to push the 2015 World Cup champions.
The Australia spinner Adam Zampa has been a handful for opposition batters throughout the tournament and currently has a total of 19 wickets at an average of 17.15.
While Afghanistan have their own bevy of quality spinners, whether their batters can handle Zampa remains to be seen as the Australian has proven a class above in India thus far.
Zampa failed to pick up a wicket during Australia's opening match at the tournament, but has since recorded a trio of four-wicket hauls and a pair of three-wicket hauls in an impressive stretch of leg-spin bowling.
While skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi (282) has the most runs for Afghanistan at the tournament, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is not too far away with a total of 234 runs at an average of 33.42.
But more importantly, Gurbaz has an ominous strike rate of 99.15 and a fast start during the Powerplay will be crucial for Afghanistan if they are to trouble Australia.
Gurbaz scores quickly and, if he gets going early, is capable of putting pressure on the Australia bowlers and giving his side the ascendancy.
Squads
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen ul Haq.