Aus Vs Afg Highlights ICC Worldcup 2023: Glenn Maxwell achieved a remarkable feat by scoring the first double century of the 2023 ODI World Cup, leading Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory against Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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If Australia secures a victory, it will secure a spot in the semifinals for the five-time champions. On the other hand, an Afghanistan win would not only keep them in the competition but would also create significant uncertainty in the standings. This outcome would place added pressure on New Zealand and Pakistan in their remaining matches, making the race for the semifinals even more intense. New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan are fighting for that last semis slot. England, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have already been eliminated.
Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, won the toss and chose to bat. The experienced Australian batsman, Steve Smith, was absent from the lineup due to vertigo and was replaced by Mitchell Marsh. Additionally, Glenn Maxwell returned to the playing eleven, taking the place of Cameron Green. Afghanistan also made a change, introducing seamer Naveen-ul-Haq in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Teams:
Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Afghanistan (Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil(w), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq
Afghanistan Innings
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran started the innings slowly for Afghanistan. But Hazlewood dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz at 21 runs. Ibrahim Zadran partnered with Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Hashmatullah Shahidi set a good partnership. After 24 over Afghanistan scored 117/1.
Afghanistan showcased an exceptional batting performance, with opener Ibrahim Zadran playing a pivotal role by scoring an unbeaten 129 from 143 balls. This marked his fifth ODI century and made him the first Afghan batsman to achieve a century in a World Cup match. Throughout their innings,
Afghanistan had productive partnerships, the most significant of which was an 83-run stand for the second wicket with Rahmat Shah.
By conserving wickets and then accelerating in the final few overs, they managed to execute their strategy effectively. The late cameos by Azmatullah and Rashid Khan were particularly noteworthy, with Rashid Khan finishing unbeaten on 35 runs from just 18 balls. Afghanistan scored 291/5 at the end of 50 over.
Josh Hazlewood got 2 wickets. Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa took one wicket each.
Australia’s bowling performance was generally strong, but there were some puzzling bowling changes made by Pat Cummins. Australia faces the challenging task of completing a record chase at the Wankhede Stadium if they book a semifinal ticket.
Aus vs Afg Highlights, World Cup 2023: Afghanistan Scorecard
Australia Innings
The greatest warrior in the history of cricket: contemporary warrior Glenn Maxwell’s performance was an innings that defied logic, pushing the boundaries of human capabilities. He played on one leg with a partially functional back, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, rescued Australia from the edge of defeat, and propelled them to a glorious victory.
Travis Head was dismissed for a duck, and Mitchell Marsh was trapped LBW by Naveen. Then Omarzai took two wickets in two balls, leaving Australia at 49/4.
Australia lost seven wickets, with Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omzai, and Rashid Khan each taking two wickets. However, Glenn Maxwell played a pivotal role in turning the game around with a stunning century. Maxwell and Pat Cummins formed the highest partnership for the eighth wicket or above in the history of international ODI cricket. Maxwell’s incredible double century ultimately propelled Australia to a miraculous victory.
At one point, he was playing without any footwork, resembling one of those animated stick cricket characters, but the Afghan bowlers had no answers. In the end, it was the highest target ever chased down at the Wankhede, with more than 3 overs to spare. Pat Cummins, held one end up and remained not out with 12 runs off 68 balls.
Aus vs Afg Highlights, World Cup 2023: Australia Scorecard
in an ODI run-chase Highest individual scores
201* – Glenn Maxwell (AUS) vs AFG, Mumbai WS, 2023 WC
193 – Fakhar Zaman (PAK) vs SA 2021
185* – Shane Watson (AUS) vs BAN 2011
183* – MS Dhoni (IND) vs SL 2005
183 – Virat Kohli (IND) vs PAK 2012
In World Cups Highest individual scores
237* – Martin Guptill (NZ) vs WI, Wellington, 2015
215 – Chris Gayle (WI) vs ZIM, Canberra, 2015
201* – Glenn Maxwell (AUS) vs AFG, Mumbai WS, 2023
188* – Gary Kirsten (SA) vs UAE, Rawalpindi, 1996
183 – Sourav Ganguly (IND) vs SL, Taunton, 1999
In World Cups Most No of sixes
49 – Chris Gayle
45 – Rohit Sharma
43 – Glenn Maxwell
37 – AB de Villiers
37 – David Warner
