In a nail-biting encounter at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia pulled off an astonishing victory against Afghanistan, sealing their place in the semi-finals of the prestigious tournament.
The match witnessed a remarkable double century by Glenn Maxwell, who scored an unbeaten 201 runs, propelling Australia to a historic win.
Maxwell’s extraordinary innings was marred by cramps, which he battled through to remain at the crease. His double century not only secured Australia’s semi-final berth but also established a new record for the highest individual score in a Cricket World Cup chase.
The first innings saw a splendid century by Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran, who remained unbeaten at 129. Supported by sturdy contributions from the middle-order batsmen and a late charge from the lower order, Afghanistan set their highest-ever total in a Cricket World Cup match, posting 292 runs.
Afghanistan’s bowlers made early inroads in the second innings, with Naveen-ul-Haq dismissing Travis Head in the very first over. Mitchell Marsh tried to accelerate the scoring but was eventually dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Naveen.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s double strike further dented Australia’s chances, reducing them to 49/4 in the ninth over. The responsibility now fell on the shoulders of Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell. The duo added 20 runs before Labuschagne was run out by Rahmat Shah.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s star spinner, made a significant impact when he entered the attack in the 15th over, taking two crucial wickets that further undermined Australia’s innings. Maxwell and Pat Cummins showed resilience, with Maxwell’s aggressive batting taking center stage.
Maxwell’s heroic knock featured a flurry of boundaries, including 10 fours and three sixes. He single-handedly revived Australia’s innings, taking them from 98/7 after 20 overs to 194/7 by the 34th over.
Even as Maxwell battled severe cramps, he continued to fight, hobbling for singles and playing exquisite strokes to get his side within striking distance of a remarkable victory. With Pat Cummins providing crucial support, Australia managed to secure the win in the 47th over, completing a remarkable comeback.
In the first innings, Afghanistan had gotten off to a solid start thanks to Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who maintained a healthy run rate and didn’t offer many chances to the Australian bowlers. Gurbaz’s aggressive shot ultimately led to his dismissal.
The partnership between Zadran and Rahmat Shah kept the runs flowing, but Rahmat’s aggressive shot selection cost him his wicket. Afghanistan adopted a more cautious approach during the middle overs, and Mitchell Starc’s delivery shattered the stumps of Shahidi.
Azmatullah Omarzai injected energy into Afghanistan’s innings with some big hits, but he was eventually caught at long-off. Ibrahim Zadran reached his century in the 44th over, becoming the first Afghan player to achieve this feat in a Cricket World Cup.
Late cameos from Mohammed Nabi and Rashid Khan helped Afghanistan finish strong, setting a competitive target for Australia.
At the toss, Afghanistan’s captain, Shahidi, elected to bat first, and the return of Naveen-ul-Haq and the inclusion of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh boosted Australia’s confidence. Unfortunately, Steve Smith was unavailable due to vertigo issues.
Australia’s remarkable comeback against Afghanistan has set the stage for an exciting semi-final showdown in the World Cup Cricket 2023, as they continue their quest for the coveted trophy.
