ICC World Cup 2023 | AUS vs AFG: Zadran's ton helped Afghans to set 292 vs AUS

Ibrahim Zadran (Pic: AFP)

The ICC World Cup 2023 match between Australia and Afghanistan is underway in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium. Ibrahim Zadran played a fighting knock of 129 runs which helped Afghanistan set a target of 292 runs for Australia to chase down. After the completion of his century, the right-hander went on to smash 3 huge sixes. Accompanying him was Rashid Khan who scored 35 runs in just 18 balls.

Afghanistan started their innings with a very slow pace as Australian bowlers started their bowling attack by holding a tight hand. No bowlers were leaking runs and were making the Afghans struggle for every single run.

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Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a knock of 21 runs before getting departed in Josh Hazlewood's over. After his dismissal, Rahmat Shah shouldered Ibrahim Zadran in the innings but soon lost his wicket to Australia's all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

The consistent player for Afghanistan in the ICC World Cup 2023, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi entered the ground to guide Afghanistan to a fighting total. They were falling many runs short according to the overs.

Ibrahim Zadran who completed his fifty runs previously was trying to score boundaries but was unable to get as the Aussies continued their fierce bowling. Australia did not let Hashmatullah Shahidi score many runs this time. Mitchell Starc made a breakthrough in the 37th over's second ball and bowled the Afghan skipper for just 26 runs. Azmatullah Omarzai played a cameo by scoring 22 runs laced by 1 four and 2 sixes.

Opener Ibrahim Zadran completed his century in 131 balls and stood strong for Afghanistan.

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At the end of 35 overs, Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell both had one wicket each to their names. The five-time champions Australia are giving their all in the must-win game of the ICC World Cup 2023. Later on, Hazlewood dismissed Mohammad Nabi for just 12 runs.

Currently, Australia has 10 points in the points table and if today's match result favours them, it will be the third team to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Score summary:

Ibrahim Zadran (143) 129

Rashid Khan (18) 35

Rahmat Shah (44) 30

Josh Hazlewood: Overs bowled (9), runs (39), wickets (2)

Glenn Maxwell: Overs bowled (10), runs (55), wickets (1)

Adam Zampa: Overs bowled (10), runs (58), wickets (1)