MUMBAI, India – November 7, 2023:In a nail-biting “Afghanistan vs Australia” clash at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Australia secured a thrilling three-wicket victory to advance to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-finals.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss, elected to bat first and posted a challenging total of 291 for the loss of five wickets. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan with a magnificent century, scoring 103 runs off 122 balls.
In reply, Australia got off to a decent start but soon found themselves in deep trouble at 91 for the loss of seven wickets. However, a remarkable batting performance by Glenn Maxwell, who scored an unbeaten 201 runs off 128 balls, steered Australia to victory with 19 balls to spare.
Maxwell’s innings were one of the most remarkable individual performances in World Cup history. He hit 21 fours and 10 sixes in his knock, and his partnership of 130 runs with Pat Cummins for the eighth wicket was the key to Australia’s victory.
Cummins remained unbeaten on 40 runs, while Starc and Hazlewood shared seven wickets between them for Australia.
Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, bowled well but were unable to contain Maxwell’s onslaught.
Australia’s victory was a remarkable comeback after they were on the verge of defeat at 91 for seven. Maxwell’s innings will be remembered for years to come, and it has put Australia in a strong position to win the World Cup.
Man of the Match: Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell was the hero of the hour for Australia in their thrilling three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The all-rounder produced a match-winning unbeaten knock of 201 runs off just 128 balls, rescuing Australia from the brink of defeat and steering them to victory.
Maxwell’s innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, as he smashed 21 fours and 10 sixes to the delight of the crowd. He showed great composure and patience, especially in the early stages of his innings when Australia was struggling.
Maxwell’s partnership of 130 runs with Pat Cummins for the eighth wicket was the cornerstone of Australia’s victory. The two batsmen played with great understanding and took the game away from Afghanistan with a flurry of boundaries in the latter stages of the innings.
Maxwell’s innings were one of the most remarkable individual performances in World Cup history. He showed great skill, power, and temperament to guide Australia to victory from a difficult position.
Key Highlights of Maxwell’s Innings
- Scored 201 runs off just 128 balls
- Hit 21 fours and 10 sixes
- Played a match-winning partnership of 130 runs with Pat Cummins
- Showed great composure and patience throughout his innings
Maxwell’s performance was the difference between victory and defeat for Australia, and he was a deserving recipient of the Man of the Match award.
Match Summary: Afghanistan vs Australia
Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Australia edged past Afghanistan by 3 wickets to secure their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a challenging total of 291 for the loss of five wickets. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored for Afghanistan with a magnificent century, scoring 129 runs off 143 balls. Rahmanullah Gurbaz also chipped in with a valuable contribution of 79 runs.
Australia, in reply, got off to a decent start but soon found themselves in deep trouble at 91 for the loss of seven wickets. However, a remarkable batting performance by Glenn Maxwell, who scored an unbeaten 201 runs off 128 balls, steered Australia to victory with 19 balls to spare.
Maxwell’s innings were one of the most remarkable individual performances in World Cup history. He hit 21 fours and 10 sixes in his knock, and his partnership of 130 runs with Pat Cummins for the eighth wicket was the key to Australia’s victory.
Cummins remained unbeaten on 40 runs, while Starc and Hazlewood shared seven wickets between them for Australia.
Afghanistan’s bowlers, particularly Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, bowled well but were unable to contain Maxwell’s onslaught.
Australia’s victory was a remarkable comeback after they were on the verge of defeat at 91 for seven. Maxwell’s innings will be remembered for years to come, and it has put Australia in a strong position to win the World Cup.
Key Highlights
- Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 runs off 128 balls
- Australia’s remarkable comeback from 91 for seven
- Afghanistan’s challenging total of 291 for the loss of five wickets
- Ibrahim Zadran’s century
Turning Points
- Glenn Maxwell’s innings turned the tide of the match in Australia’s favor.
- Australia’s partnership of 130 runs for the eighth wicket was crucial in their victory.
- Afghanistan’s inability to contain Maxwell’s onslaught proved costly.
