New Delhi. In the 39th match of ODI World Cup 2023, Australia has defeated Afghanistan by three wickets. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 291 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In response, Australia scored 293 runs for seven wickets and won the match. in the beginning of course No Australian batsman could stay at the crease for long. But ultimately Glenn Maxwell scored the most runs.
Maxwell’s double century
In today’s historic night of the 2023 World Cup, cricket lovers witnessed a brilliant innings which will be recorded in the history of cricket. Despite battling pain, Glenn Maxwell scored a double century as Australia defeated Afghanistan to achieve their biggest ever run chase in World Cup history. At one point, it seemed that the match was in Afghanistan’s grip as Australia, chasing the challenging target of 292 runs, was struggling at 91 for seven in the 19th over. However, Glenn Maxwell’s brilliant performance, which included an unbeaten 201 off 128 balls, changed the situation. Along with him, Pat Cummins provided vital support, strengthening Australia’s fightback. The match took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai where Afghanistan won the toss and scored a strong score of 291 runs in the stipulated 50 overs. With this victory, Australia has strengthened its position as the third team to reach the semi-finals.
Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq proved to be the driving force for Afghanistan with their tremendous bowling. Each took two wickets, which increased the intensity of the match. The Wankhede Stadium pitch has emerged as a batsman’s paradise in this World Cup. In the three matches played so far, scores of 399, 382 and 357 have been achieved in the first innings. Afghanistan’s batsmen continued this trend and opener Ibrahim Zadran became the first Afghan player to score a century in the World Cup by playing a brilliant inning of 129 runs. Zadran displayed strong partnerships with each of his fellow batsmen, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz (21), captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (26), Rahmat Shah (30) and Azmatullah Umarzai (22). In the final overs, Rashid Khan’s explosive 35 off 18 balls added vital runs, ultimately resulting in a total of 291 runs on the scoreboard.
Let us tell you that earlier in the World Cup, Afghanistan had defeated the defending champion team England by 69 runs. After this, the Afghan team also defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets in the tournament. But his dream of defeating the Kangaroos has been shattered.
Talking about today’s match, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and decided to bat first. Which proved to be right for him. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 295 runs losing 5 wickets in 50 overs. Ibrahim Zadran scored the most runs for Afghanistan. Jadran played a century innings. He remained unbeaten after scoring 129 runs in 143 balls. Zadran hit 8 fours and 3 sixes in his innings. With this, Zadran has also created history in the World Cup. He is the first Afghan player to score a century in the World Cup. This is his fifth century in ODI career.