MUMBAI: 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, 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.  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.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 08 2023

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