Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat against Australia in the 39th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Afghanistan played some excellent batting, with opener Ibrahim Zadran scoring an undefeated 129 from 143 deliveries. Rahmat Shah and he shared an important 83-run partnership for the second wicket.
Afghanistan scored more runs as the innings went on, with Azmatullah and Rashid Khan contributing significantly. Khan finished with a solid 35 off just 18 balls. While Australia bowling was mostly disciplined, Pat Cummins made several dubious modifications to his bowling style.
Australia chase got off to a terrible start as they lost early wickets and were struggling at 91/7 at one stage.
But Glenn Maxwell took an unthinkable action. The veteran all-rounder, who was unable to run due to severe pain in his right leg, managed to accomplish a remarkable double-century knock of 201* off 128 deliveries. The Australians produced an incredible showing, salvaging the match from the brink of disaster with over three overs remaining thanks to Maxwell’s clutch knock.
Losing Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said:
Very disappointed. Cricket is a funny game, it was unbelievable for us. We were in the game, our bowlers started very well and the dropped chances hurt us. After that, Maxwell doesn’t stop, he played every kind of shot and I can give credit to him. I think the dropped catches were the key, after that Maxwell played really well. Our bowlers tried their best but he didn’t give any chance to us.
Proud of the team, but we will be disappointed tonight. We didn’t think it would be this way, part of the game. This is cricket. We will try to come back strong against South Africa. He (Ibrahim Zadran) must be proud of himself, I am also proud that he is the first Afghan with a WC hundred.
Winning Skipper Pat Cummins said:
Ridiculous. Don’t know how to describe it. Great win! It has got to be the greatest thing that has ever happened. One of those days people will say yeah, I was at the stadium for this game. He (Maxwell) was great, he was calm. He always had a plan. Even from 200 behind to be able to win the game that way, it was really special.
(On whether Maxwell wanted to walk off) We had two NSW players lining up, Zampa was on and off three times, but Maxi wanted to stay out there. It is important to remember you can win from anywhere. Real belief in the team and we are in the semi-finals now, that’s great. (On what they could do better) Don’t think it is the time and the place, I’m going to pause that. I think the toss is a bit tricky out here, the first 20 overs are key. Obviously there are things we could have done better.
POTM Glenn Maxwell said:
It was hot while fielding today, I haven’t done a lot of exercise in the heat, it got a hold on me today. I wanted to stay back and get some movement (on my legs). Not too much (when asked about plans at 92/7), just stick to the batting plans as much as possible, for me, still be positive, still look to play my shots, that LBW, it was going just above (the stumps), probably that made me be more proactive.
A hint of swing and nip (off the surface), as it happens here under lights, they bowled beautifully to exploit that. It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock, but I had my chances, to make the most of it tonight was something I can be proud of. Amazing, after the first two games, people were quick to write us off. The belief was always there (as a team), after today, it would have gone a bit higher.
India
