The Unlikely Underdogs: Afghanistan's Cricket Challenge Against Australia

Afghanistan and Australia have faced each other three times in One Day Internationals (ODIs) so far, with Australia winning all three matches. However, Afghanistan is having a dream run at the 2023 Cricket World Cup and is currently sitting in sixth place in the points table with four wins from seven games. Australia, on the other hand, has had a great comeback in the tournament after being crushed by India and South Africa in their opening two matches.

Afghanistan's batting performance

However, Afghanistan lost opener Gurbaz for a 25-ball 21 but Zadran and Rahmat Shah stitched 83 runs for the second wicket to lay a good foundation before the latter was dismissed by Glenn Maxwell for a 44-ball 30 in the 25th over with the score reading 121.

Unperturbed by the loss of few wickets at the other end, Zadran continued to accumulate runs at a decent rate to prop up his team against the five-time world champions.

Australia's bowling performance

Afghanistan's bowling attack was further strengthened by Rashid Khan, who bagged the crucial wickets of Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Starc as Australia were reduced to 91-7 in 18.3 overs.

Skipper Pat Cummins and superstar Glenn Maxwell then stitched a 202-run partnership for the 8th wicket to seal a famous win for Australia.

Glenn Maxwell's double century

The Setup

Australia were in a perilous position at 7-91 in the 19th over, with Afghanistan on the verge of a famous victory. Maxwell came to the crease with his team in trouble, and what followed was truly extraordinary.

The Partnership

Maxwell and captain Pat Cummins put together a match-winning partnership of 202 runs, with Cummins contributing a stoic 12 runs from 68 balls. The eighth-wicket stand was a record for any ODI, and it turned the tide of the match.

The Heroics

Maxwell's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting and shot-making. He dispatched the Afghan bowling attack to all parts of the ground, scoring 21 fours and 10 sixes in his innings. He reached his century in just 76 balls, and brought up his double century with a six, finishing unbeaten on 201 from 128 balls.

The Adversity

What made Maxwell's innings even more remarkable was the fact that he battled through intense pain and cramps. At one point, he collapsed to the ground and required treatment from the team physio. He was barely able to run between the wickets, but he soldiered on, showing tremendous courage and determination.

The Impact

Maxwell's innings led Australia to a famous three-wicket victory and secured their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup. It was the highest successful run chase at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and the highest successful World Cup run chase by Australia.

Afghanistan's bowling attack

In a 2023 ODI match against Ireland, Afghanistan's best bowling figures in an innings were achieved by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who took 4 wickets.

In 2023, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha also acknowledged the strength of Afghanistan's bowling attack, describing it as "one of the best in the world". He noted that the conditions in Pakistan suited their spin trio and that the team was used to playing there, with many players participating in the PSL.

Australia's batting collapse

Australia suffered a batting collapse against Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. They were down and out at 91-7 in pursuit of 292. However, Glenn Maxwell played a match-winning knock of 201* to help Australia beat Afghanistan by three wickets.

Maxwell's knock was described as "one of the most outrageous knocks in ODI history" by commentator Ian Smith. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who has won three World Cup titles, said Maxwell played the inning "on no legs."

Maxwell's innings was also the highest individual score in an ODI run chase and the third-highest individual score in the history of the World Cup.

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