Picture : ICC/ X
Powered by an astonishing unbeaten double ton by Glenn Maxwell, Australia overcame early jitters to beat Afghanistan by 3 wickets in a CWC23 encounter at Wankhede and storm into the semi- finals. In the semis Australia will take on South Africa.
Batting first after winning toss , Afghanistan began positively . Rahmanullah Gurbaz was out for ( 21), Rahmat Shah ( 30) , Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi chipped in with 26. Azmatullah Omarzai 12. Mohammad Nabi ( 12). The Afghan total was built largely due to the fine hundred the first by an Afghan player in World Cup – Ibrahim Zadran 129 ( 142 balls, 8 fours 3 sixes) . It was fine knock of grit and determination. He anchored the Afghan innings and stayed unbeaten. Towards the end Rashid Khan played a delightful unbeaten cameo 35 ( 18 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes). Afghanistan seemed to have enough on the board to challenge Australia . 291/ 5 in their 50 overs.
The Aussie bowlers had a tough day in the middle: Mitchell Starc 1/ 70 ( 9 overs), Josh Hazlewood 2/ 39 ( 9 overs), Glenn Maxwell 1/ 55 ( 10 overs), Pat Cummins 0/ 47 ( 8 overs), Adam Zampa 1/ 58 ( 10 overs), Travis Head 0/ 15 ( 3 overs), Marcus Stoinis 0/ 2 ( 1 over)
In reply Australia were shaky . Opener Travis Head fell early for ( 0), Mitchell Marsh ( 24), David Warner ( 18), Josh Inglis ( 0). Australia were reeling at 49/ 4 in 8. 2 overs. When Marnus Labuschagne was run- out for 14. Australia were in tatters at 69/ 5 in 14.1 overs . Adding to woes was the quick dismissals of hard- hitting Marcus Stoinis ( 6) and when Mitchell Starc fell for 3 . Australia were
91/ 7 in 18. 3 overs. Glenn Maxwell was joined by Skipper Pat Cummins.
Maxwell had luck riding his way too — he survived a leg before wicket appeal after a successful review on 27 and was dropped by Mujeeb on 33 . It proved costly at the end .
Maxwell then battling cramps, unable to run, and in one leg took on the Afghan bowlers . In a sensational breathtaking innings he scored perhaps the greatest ODI innings of World Cup but also in ODI cricket . A stunning unbeaten innings of 201 off 128 balls studded with 21 fours and 10 sixes .
Batting on one leg after suffering cramps, Maxwell used his strong core and stable base to practice range-hitting as Hashmatullaah Shahidi’s bowlers erred tactically, feeding him with length balls on slot which allowed him to just plonk his front-foot and use his brute strength to let them all land into the Wankhede stands. There was practically no footwork required and Afghanistan’s bowlers did not alter the length for ones as Maxwell was an example of what stand and deliver means. The more intense the pain, the more brutal the assault as his final couple of sixes were less of slog and more of swatting a fly out of his presence with disdain.
He didn’t celebrate his hundred but had his arms raised once the win was achieved as he could smile through pain.
Maxwell got able support from Skipper Pat Cummins who was solid like rock at the other hand and did not let Afghan bowlers take another wicket which they were so desperate for . Cummins played 68 balls for his 12 runs and was happy to let Maxwell do the job .
The Aussie Skipper was all smiles as Maxwell unleashed his fury on stunned and shocked Afghan players and fans. Australia reaching 293/ 7 in 46. 5 overs. Maxwell and Cummins added a record 202 run- stand for the eight wicket.
Afghanistan rotated all bowlers in search for break-through but all were in vain.
Afghanistan bowling figures : Mujeeb Ur Rahman 0/ 72 ( 8. 5 overs) , Naveen-ul-Haq 2/ 47 ( 9 overs), Rashid Khan 2/ 44 ( 10 overs), Azmatullah Omarzai 2/ 52 ( 7 overs), Noor Ahmad 0/ 53 ( 10 overs), Mohammad Nabi 0/ 20 ( 2 overs)
With 12 points and a match left, Australia joined India (16 points) and South Africa (12 points) in the last four stage .
Australia lock up a semi-final spot 🔒
One place still remains. Who can reach the final four? 📲 https://t.co/OHY3825MLS#CWC23 pic.twitter.com/Xn93fmTBVN
— ICC (@ICC) November 8, 2023
Match: World Cup 2023, 39th Match
Venue: Mumbai | Date: November 07, 2023
