World Cup 2023 – In a thrilling game of cricket during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Mumbai, India, Glenn Maxwell and the Australian team surprised Afghanistan with a three-wicket victory on Tuesday.
Australia was faced with a challenging target, needing to chase more than they’ve ever achieved in a World Cup match when batting second. Their previous highest successful run chase while batting second in a World Cup was 287 against New Zealand in 1996.
Australia initially struggled to take wickets after losing the toss, and a victory in this match would have secured them a spot in the semifinals. They managed to keep Afghanistan in check for most of the game, but Zadran and Rashid Khan, with an unbroken partnership of 58 runs in 28 balls, made it tough for Australia.
Mitchell Starc had a tough time, with Rashid hitting two sixes in the final over, while Josh Hazlewood took two wickets for Australia. Zadran reached his century in style, hitting Starc for a high six over the legside and later smashing Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, for another well-struck six.
Australia finally managed to take their first two wickets in the 25th over when Rahmat Shah was caught off Glenn Maxwell’s bowling. Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, was dismissed for 26 when Starc bowled him, and Azmatullah Omarzai contributed with a quick 22, including two sixes.
Zadran reached his fifth one-day international hundred off 131 balls, including seven fours, and had a bit of luck with a close run that turned into two after an inaccurate throw at the stumps.
