WC 2023: Maxwell Shines with Historic Century, Australia Secures World Cup Knockout Spot

Mumbai, 7th November 2023: The ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Afghanistan and Australia took place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Australia emerged victorious in the 39th ODI of the tournament, winning the match by 3 wickets with 19 balls left. Glenn Maxwell played a crucial role in turning the match around in Australia’s favour.

Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. They had a decent start, with contributions from opening batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz. However, the standout performance came from the second opener, Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 129 not out in 143 balls, becoming the first Afghan batsman to score a World Cup century. With contributions from other batsmen and a quick innings of 35 not out in 18 balls by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan posted a total of 291 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

In the bowling department, Josh Hazlewood was the most successful Australian bowler, taking 2 wickets in his 9 overs while conceding 39 runs. Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa also chipped in with 1 wicket each.

Chasing a target of 292 runs, Australia’s batting order faced early struggles, and at one point, they were 91 for 7 wickets down. However, Glenn Maxwell played a sensational innings, scoring 201 not out in 128 balls. Afghanistan had several chances to dismiss Maxwell but couldn’t capitalize on them. Maxwell’s heroic effort, despite battling physical discomfort and cramps, led Australia to an incredible victory. They won the match by 3 wickets with 19 balls remaining. Maxwell’s score set a record for the highest in a run chase in ODI history. His partnership of 202 runs for the 8th wicket with captain Pat Cummins also set a new record for the highest partnership in ODIs, surpassing Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman’s previous record of 193 in a run chase against South Africa.

In Afghanistan’s bowling attack, Naveen-ul-Haq, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rashid Khan each claimed 2 wickets.

With this win, Australia secured their spot in the knockout stage of the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023. The battle for the fourth position in the tournament will be contested between New Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, as India and South Africa have already qualified. The next match, the 40th fixture of the tournament, will see England take on the Netherlands at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.