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WC Updates: Maxwell's 201 powers Australia to win

Tue, 07 November 2023

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22:21

Maxwell's 201 powers Australia to win

Aus 293-7 (46.5 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Rashid is back into the attack. Maxwell takes a single first ball through midwicket before the spinner bowls a wide down the leg side to Cummins.

Cummins also happy to turn the strike over with a single and Maxwell retains strike with a single from the last ball to long-on.

Mujeeb is back into the attack. Maxwell cuts loose as he swings the spinner's second ball side of long-on for a six.

He hammers the next over midwicket for another six to get his score into the 190s.

Mujeeb bowls a wide half-volley which Maxwell drills through the covers for a boundary.

He finishes off things in grand style as he blasts the last ball for a six to powers Australia to a sensational victory.

Maxwell finishes unbeaten on a magical innings of 201 from 128 balls, having hit 10 sixes and 21 fours -- the highest score by an Australian in ODIs.

He was involved in a match-winning 202-run stand for the eighth wicket with Cummins, who scored 12 runs in that partnership.

Australia win by three wickets with 19 balls spare.

This would rank as one of the greatest comebacks in the history of 50-overs cricket as Australia bounced back from 91/7 in the 19th over.

Maxwell managed to overturn a successful leg before shout using DRS on 27 before he was put down by Mujeeb at short fine leg on 33.

22:09

Australia need 25 from 5 overs

Aus 267-7 (45 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Maxwell keeps finding the boundaries. He pulls Naveen for a six high over midwicket as Australia just need 26 for victory.

Naveen nearly gets Maxwell as he deceives him completely with the slower ball, which bounces just over the stumps.

Maxwell gently drives the last ball to long-off, beating the desperate dive from the bowler and he has enough time to run across for a single to long-off.

22:03

Maxwell on one foot keeps Australiaalive

Aus 260-7 (44 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

With Maxwell unable to run across for a single, Cummins can only play out a maiden over despite hitting the ball to the fielders in deep a couple of times.

Azmatullah continues as Maxwell inside edges the first ball past short fine leg for a four.

He swats the next to the fielder at deep square leg but can't take the single.

Maxwell plays a stunning reverse sweep as the ball carries all the way over thirdman for a six.

This is unbelievable batting from Maxwell, he can barely move a leg but he still manages to swat Azmatullah through midwicket for a four.

He pulls the fifth ball to deep midwicket and immediately winces in pain.

Maxwell somehow manages to nudges the last ball to fine leg and surprises the Afghanistan fielders by hobbling across for a quick single.

21:57

Maxwell's century keeps Australia alive

Aus 245-7 (42 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Noor Ahmad comes back as Maxwell slams the first ball through the covers for a four.

Maxwell can barely run, he is struggling with cramps. He is in some serious pain as he hobbles across for a single and is immediately down with the physio rushing out.

Australia will hope Maxwell can somehow continue to bat for another half an hour or so.

He is fit to continue after some treatment and drinks. Cummins is beaten by Ahmad as he pokes away from his body before he plays four dot balls in a row.

Azmatullah comes back into the attack. Maxwell can't find the gap with the reverse sweep before he swings the third ball over long-on for a four to complete his 150, from 104 balls.

Maxwell is handicapped with cramps so much that he can't even complete singles to the fielders in the deep.

He edges the fifth ball which flies fine on the off-side for another four.

21:44

Maxwell's century keeps Australia alive

Aus 232-7 (40 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Naveen comes back from the other end. Maxwell struggling with his back as he flicks the pacer to long-on for a single before the pacer bowls a wide down the leg side to Cummins.

Cummins is beaten last ball as he misses the drive off a full delivery from Naveen, with two runs coming from the 38th over.

Maxwell attacks Rashid as he lofts the spinner over long-on for a six and then takes a single before a watchful Cummins keeps out the last four balls.

Naveen continues as Maxwell pulls the slower bouncer over short fine leg for a four.

He hammers the next ball straight back past the bowler for another boundary and then takes a single.

Despite struggling with cramps, Maxwell has smashed his way to 142 from 99 balls, hitting 15 fours and five sixes.

He has put on 141 runs from 129 balls for the eighth wicket with Cummins, who is playing a watchful knock of 11 from 55 balls.

Australia are 232/7 in 40 overs, needing 60 from the last 10 overs for victory.

21:36

Maxwell blasts 76-ball century!

Aus 214-7 (37 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Pacer Naveen, who was excellent with the new ball, is back into the attack.

Maxwell and Cummins avoid taking risks as they pick five singles from the 35th over as Australia bring up their 200.

92 required from 90 balls.

Maxwell targets Nabi as he scoops the spinner over short fine leg for a four. He heaves the next ball over midwicket for a six and then takes a single to get 11 from the over.

Afghanistan's premier spinner Rashid, who has three overs in hand, comes back.

The two Australians show some great sense to watchfully play out Rashid to pick three singles from the 37th over.

21:15

Maxwell blasts 76-ball century!

Aus 195-7 (34 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

A quiet over from Noor as he concedes just three singles in his seventh over. Mujeeb continues as Maxwell misses the sweep first ball before he makes room but can't beat the fielder in the covers.

He slams the third ball over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Maxwell quick to pounce on the flighted delivery from Mujeeb as he blasts it straight down the ground for a huge six to race into the 90s and then takes a single.

In the next over, Maxwell takes a single off Noor to race to his century from 76 balls.

Maxwell has single-handedly kept Australia's hopes alive with his superb counter-attacking knock.

Cummins is doing his job well, just blocking one end up, not bothering about his strike rate, having made just 8 from 37 balls.

Off-spinner Mohammad Nabi comes into the attack, to bowl the 34th over. Maxwell makes room to cut the off-spinner behind point for a boundary and repeats the shot for another four.

He does well to take a single from the fifth ball and Cummins keeps out the last ball.

20:58

Maxwell's attack keeps Australia alive

Aus 169-7 (30 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Rashid continues as Maxwell and Cummins pick a single each before the former slaps the third ball to the sweeper for a couple of runs.

Another single to Maxwell before Cummins is beaten by a flighted delivery as the ball turns sharply to beat the wicketkeeper and goes for four byes.

Mujeeb is back into the attack. Maxwell drills the first ball through the covers for a boundary and then takes a single on the leg side before Cummins watchfully keeps out the rest of the over.

Noor is back from the other end. Maxwell slams the first ball over midwicket for a six and lofts the next high over long-on for another maximum followed by a single.

In the next over, Maxwell leans forward to defend Mujeeb but the edge flies past the wicketkeeper for a boundary.

He gets an inside edge off the third ball for a couple of runs to deep square leg and hits the next to long-on for two more runs.

Maxwell pulls the fifth ball for a couple and retains strike with a single from the last ball.

Australia are 169/7 in 30 overs, needing another 123 from 20 overs for victory.

Maxwell has smashed his way to 84 from 67 balls, while Cummins has played the supporting role with seven from 27 balls.

20:39

Maxwell hits fifty to keep Australia alive

Aus 131-7 (26 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Maxwell continues to attack as he swats Rashid over midwicket for a four and picks a single off the fourth ball before Cummins keeps out the last two balls.

Maxwell continues to swing as he hammers Noor over midwicket for another four and then takes one on the leg side.

Two more singles as Noor gives away seven in his fourth over. A single from Rashid's sixth over as Australia struggle to 126/7 in 25 overs at the halfway mark.

They need another 166 from the remaining 25 overs for victory.

In the next over, Maxwell lofts Noor over mid-off for a boundary to bring up fifty from 51 balls.

20:22

Rashid strikes again; Australia 7 down

Aus 113-7 (22 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

A huge reprieve for Maxwell (24) as he miscues the slog sweep off Rashid but the fielder in the covers rushing to his right puts in the dive but can't get to the ball.

Maxwell picks up two runs to bring up Australia's 100, in the 21st over.

He is beaten by the quick leg-break from Rashid as he leans forward to defend playing inside the line expecting the googly.

Noor ends Australia's hopes with the key wicket of Maxwell, who is given out leg before wicket for 27.

He plays down the wrong line as the ball skids straight through to strike him in front.

Maxwell takes the review. The ball has pitched in line and the impact is in line too but the ball is bouncing over the stumps as the Australian has a narrow escape.

Interestingly, Maxwell had already made his way back and looks surprised at the DRS reprieve.

Noor bowls a big wide down the leg side to gift Australia five extra runs before he pulls the next for a couple of runs.

He reverse sweeps the fourth ball over short thirdman for a four.

Maxwell gets his second lifeline in the space of four balls as his miscued sweep is dropped by Mujeeb at short fine leg. That was the easiest of catches and entire Afghanistan is stunned at that lapse.

20:14

Rashid strikes again; Australia 7 down

Aus 98-7 (20 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

More spin from Afghanistan as Noor Ahmad comes into the attack, to bowl the 18th over.

Maxwell cuts the first ball to deep point for a single as Starc gets on strike with four balls still remaining.

Starc punches the fourth ball to long-on for a single and Maxwell defends the last ball.

In the next over, Afghanistan appeal for caught and bowled against Starc. Rashid believes the ball cam straight off his foot before he caught the ball on his follow through.

The umpires refer it to the TV umpire. The ball has clearly bounced before hitting the boots of Starc, who has a narrow escape.

Starc falls caught behind next ball as wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil takes a superb rebound after missing the initial attempt.

Starc speaks to his partner Maxwell before deciding to walk off without taking the review with Australia slipping to 91/7 in the 19th over.

Starc will rue not taking the review. Replays show that the ball missed the bat and clipped the off-stump before it was taken by the wicketkeeper.

Pat Cummins glances the last ball of Rashid's over fine on the leg side for a four to get off the mark.

Three runs from Noor's second over take Australia to 98/7 in 20 overs, needing another 195 for victory in 30 overs.

Australia will be hoping that Maxwell, on 24 from 28 balls, will continue to bat for long and atleast avoid the margin of defeat so their NRR doesn't take a dip.

20:00

Stoinis out for 6; Australia 6 down

Aus 89-6 (17 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Azmatullah clips the first ball past square leg for two runs before he is beaten next ball trying to pull the short ball.

The third ball is down the leg side as Maxwell glances it fine for a four followed by singles from the next two balls.

He plays and misses again off the last ball looking to drive it through the off-side.

Mujeeb rushes through his fourth over, bowling a maiden over to Labuschagne.

Rashid Khan comes into the attack, to bowl the 15th over. Australia suffer another big blow as Labuschagne is run out for 14.

Labuschagne slow off the blocks as Maxwell called him for a quick run to midwicket. He makes a desperate dive but is beaten by the direct hit from Rahmat as Australia slip to 69/5, in the 15th over.

There is a huge appeal for caught behind as Marcus Stoinis is beaten by a beauty from Rashid.

Afghanistan's players are confident as they take the review. There is a noise for sure but that is due to the bat hitting the ground.

The umpire checks for leg before wicket but the ball is clipping the off-stump which means the decision stays with the umpire's call as Stoinis has a narrow escape.

Rashid is keeping it full and attacking the stumps as Stoinis defends watchfully.

Spin from both ends as Afghanistan look to build the pressure. Maxwell breaks the shackles as he swings Mujeeb over midwicket for a boundary.

The next ball is full and wide as Mujeeb drives it through the covers for another four.

Stoinis also looks to bat positively. He sweeps Rashid past the fielder at short fine leg for a boundary and hits the next for a single to deep square leg.

Rashid gets revenge with the wicket of Stoinis, who misses the reverse sweep and is caught in front to be given out leg before wicket.

Stoinis takes the review but looks quite nervous. The ball has struck in line and is going on to hit the stumps as the decision stands.

Australia slip to 87/5 in the 17th over, still needing another 205 for victory.

19:32

Australia 4 down; Afghanistan in control

Aus 61-4 (12 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Azmatullah getting the ball to move away late. This Labuschange gets the leading edge as he looks to flick before he gets the edge three balls later but it falls well short of the first slip fielder.

Slightly short from Azmatullah as Labuschagne pulls it through midwicket for a boundary and takes a single from the last ball on the off-side.

Mujeeb is back into the attack. He concedes just four singles in his third over.

At the drinks break, Australia reeling on 61/4 in 12 overs, needing another 231 for victory from 38 overs with the asking rate going above six.

19:24

Australia 4 down; Afghanistan in control

Aus 52-4 (10 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Azmatullah gets the ball to swing in sharply into Warner, who is beaten through the huge gap between bat and pad as the ball bounces over the stumps.

The medium pacer does well to bowl a maiden over to Warner, who seems to have changed his game plan after Marsh's wicket.

Naveen continues as Marnus Labuschagne clips the first ball off his pads for a single and Warner steers the next to thirdman for one.

Naveen overpitches as Labuschagne plays a beautiful straight drive for a boundary and leaves the last ball.

Australia in serious trouble as Azmatullah sends Warner's stumps crashing.

The left-hander goes for the big swing over the leg side but misses the ball completely and can only watch his stumps going for a walk.

Warner walks back for 18 from 29 balls to leave Australia reeling on 49/3 in the ninth over.

Josh Inglis perishes first ball as he tries to drive a wide outswinger to get the edge and is caught at first slip for a first ball duck.

Azmatullah on a hat-trick!

Glenn Maxwell is beaten by a full delivery which seems to have struck his pads.

The whole Afghanistan up in appeal but the umpire is unmoved before they take the review.

There is no contact with the pads but the ball went off the edge and dropped well short of the wicketkeeper.

Azmatullah narrowly misses out on a hat-trick!

Maxwell drives the fifth ball through the covers for a couple of runs to get off the mark and take Australia past the 50-run mark.

Naveen continues as Labuschagne defends the first few balls before taking a single down to thirdman and Maxwell keeps out the last ball.

Australia struggling on 52/4 in 10 overs, with Labuschagne on six and Maxwell on two.

18:50

Naveen's double strike rocks Aus

Aus 43-2 (6 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Marsh on the attack! He lofts pacer Naveen back over his head for a straight boundary before he steps out and pulls the third ball over midwicket for a six.

Naveen gets revenge with the key wicket of Marsh, who is given out leg before wicket after a quickfire 24 from 11 balls.

That looks dead in front as Marsh walks back without taking the review.

Marnus Labuschagne gets his bat down in time as he inside edge the full delivery on to the pads.

Naveen has taken 2/17 in three overs.

18:43

Warner, Marsh rally Australia

Aus 33-1 (5 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

Spinner Mujeeb continues as singles come from the first three balls before Warner drives the fourth ball through the covers for a boundary.

He tries the sweep last ball but misses as seven come from the over.

Naveen from the other end. Marsh shuffles across but misses the swipe over the leg side before he slaps the next to the covers where the fielder fumbles to concede two runs.

Naveen getting some movement with the new ball as Warner is completely opened up before he uses his feet last ball but gets hit on the pads.

Medium pacer Azmatullah Omarzai comes into the attack. He starts with a full delivery outside the off-stump as Marsh drills it through the covers for a four.

Marsh looks to swipe the next over midwicket but the ball goes off the leading edge over thirdman for a six.

He picks a single next ball before Warner clips the fourth ball in the gap past midwicket for two runs followed by a wide.

Australia off to a flier as they race to 33 for one in five overs.

18:33

Head out for duck; Aus lose early wicket

Aus 9-1 (2 ovs) vs Afg 291-5 | Scorecard

David Warner and Travis Head are the two openers for Australia, who will need a quickfire start.

Afghanistan open with spin as Mujeeb ur Rahman bowls the first over.

The first ball is short and wide as Warner cuts it for a four to get off the mark in positive fashion before he survives a leg before shout next ball.

He keeps out the next two balls before he gets a thick outside edge and uppishly cuts the last ball which falls short of point.

Pacer Naveen-ul-Haq from the other end. He strikes second ball with the key wicket of Head, who pokes at one away from his body as the ball swings away late to take the outside edge to be caught behind for duck.

Mitchell Marsh gets off the mark with a single before Warner gets the edge but Rahmat at second slip can't take the low catch to his right.

The left-hander slaps the last ball in the gap through the covers for a boundary.

17:51

Ibrahim, Rashid power Afghans to 291

Afg 291-5 (50 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Cummins to bowl the penultimate over. He starts with a slower bouncer which Rashid leaves expecting a wide but the umpire is unmoved.

Rashid slaps the next ball to sweeper cover for a single and Ibrahim gets an edge next ball but it falls short of the wicketkeeper.

Cummins tries the slower ball which Ibrahim picks early to deposit over midwicket for a six. He drills the fifth ball, a wide full toss, through the covers for a boundary followed by a wide.

He hits the last ball through the gap at midwicket for two runs to get 14 from the over.

Starc to bowl the final over. Rashid miscues the full toss which goes over the fielder at thirdman for a four before he mistimes the next back to the bowler.

Rashid smacks the third ball over long-off for a six to raise the 50-run stand for the sixth wicket from 26 balls.

Rashid shuffles across before he swats the short ball over midwicket for another six before he is beaten by a wide yorker.

Afghanistan have finished on a huge 291/5 in their 50 overs, hitting 75 from the last six overs.

Ibrahim becomes the first Aghanistan batter to hit a century in the World Cup -- hitting 129 from 143 balls, with three sixes and eight fours.

Rashid provided the impetus at the end, smashing 35 from 18 balls, with two sixes and three fours.

The duo turned the course of the innings, with their unbeaten stand of 58 from 28 balls.

17:36

Hazlewood strikes; Afghans 5 down

Afg 261-5 (48 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Australia take a gamble as they bring in part-timer Maxwell to bowl the 47th over.

Rashid Khan needs no second invitation as he slogs the first ball over midwicket for a six. He swings again next ball for a single to midwicket follow by another run to Ibrahim off the fourth.

Maxwell bowls short and wide as Rashid comes down and makes room to smash it over the off-side for a four.

He inside edges the last ball for a couple of runs to bring up the 250 for Afghanistan, in the 47th over.

Maxwell oversteps to concede a free hit but Rashid can only get a single as he heaves it to deep square leg.

16 runs from the over as Maxwell finishes with 1/55 from his 10 overs.

Starc, who has three overs in hand, comes back into the attack. Rashid gets a single from the first ball before Ibrahim flicks the next over square leg for a stylish six.

Starc checks Afghanistan's progress with the wicket of Rashid, who smashes it uppishly over the off-side but Stoinis running in from sweeper cover dives forward to take a stunning low catch inches from the ground.

The umpires want to check with the TV umpire. Has the ball bounced off Stoinis' fingers or off the ground?

The decision goes in Afghanistan's favour with the TV umpire ruling that the ball might have touched the ground.

17:23

Hazlewood strikes; Afghans 5 down

Afg 236-5 (46 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Hazlewood is back into the attack. Ibrahim and Nabi pick a single each before the former takes two runs from the last ball to complete his century from 131 balls.

He is the first batter from Afghanistan to hit a century in the World Cup.

In the next over, Ibrahim slog sweeps Ibrahim over midwicket for a six and then takes a single.

Nabi flicks the fifth ball wide of the fielder at long-on for two runs and keeps strike with one from the last ball, to get 11 from the over.

In the next over, Nabi pulls Hazlewood over square leg for a six before the pacer gets revenge two balls later.

He has a big swing over the leg side but misses the ball completely which crashes into the stumps to bowl him for 12.

Rashid Khan gets off the mark with a single to point and Ibrahim takes one followed by another run to the former.

17:09

Zampa strikes; Afghanistan lose 4th wkt

Afg 212-4 (43 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Zampa comes back into the attack. Three singles from the first four balls before Azmatullah lofts the fifth ball straight back over the bowler's head for a six as he races to 21 from 14 balls, while Afghanistan past the 200-run mark, in the 41st over.

Cummins continues as Ibrahim slaps the third ball past point for a couple of runs as the fielder in the deep comes up with a good stop to keep the ball inside the ropes.

Three more singles as Cummins goes for five in his seventh over.

Zampa bags his first wicket as he strikes with the key wicket of the dangerous Azmatullah.

The right-hander, who stroked 22 from 18 balls, holes out to the fielder at long-off as he tries to smash it down the ground.

Veteran Mohammad Nabi gets off the mark with one and Ibrahim picks a single off the last ball.

17:01

Ibrahim, Azmatullah keep Aussies at bay

Afg 195-3 (40 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Maxwell, who has two overs in hand, comes back into the attack. Ibrahim and Azmatullah take a single each before the former picks one.

Azmatullah cuts the fifth ball behind point for two runs to get five runs from the 39th over.

Cummins comes back from the other end. Ibrahim clips the second ball through square leg for a single before Azmatullah is struck on the helmet by a quick short ball as he misses the pull shot.

The ball goes off the helmet over the wicketkeeper for four leg byes.

Azmatullah is cleared to continue and he heaves the next over midwicket for a boundary, followed by two singles.

11 runs from the over as Afghanistan reach 195/3 in 40 overs, with Ibrahim on 90 and Azmatullah on 14.

16:54

Starc strikes; Afghanistan 3 down

Afg 179-3 (38 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Part-time spinner Head comes back into the attack. He continues to keep things in check, giving away four runs in his third over.

Starc boosts Australia with the wicket of Shahidi, who is cleaned up by a cracking yorker after a sedate 26 from 43 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai keeps out the first two balls he faces before lofting Starc over mid-offf for a six to get off the mark in some style.

16:41

Australia bowlers keep Afghans in check

Afg 169-2 (36 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Hazlewood tests Shahidi with the bouncer as the left-hander top edges the pull shot and Ibrahim keeps strike with a single from the last ball to thirdman.

Zampa continues as he starts his new over with a wide down the leg side to Ibrahim, with the wicketkeeper struggling to collect it cleanly to concede another extra run.

Shahidi uses his feet to hit the second ball to long-on for one and Ibrahim hits the next to long-off for another run.

Shahidi goes for the pull shot as he is quite late into the shot, dragging it back on to his stumps, followed by singles off the last two balls.

Starc comes back into the attack. Ibrahim taps the first ball on the leg side for a single before he bowls a wide down the leg side.

Two more singles as Starc gives away four runs in his sixth over.

16:31

Ibrahim takes Afghanistan past 150

Ibrahim Zadran

Afg 157-2 (33 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Zampa comes back into the attack. Ibrahim uses his feet to loft the first ball over the covers for a boundary before taking a single to long-off.

Shahidi uses his feet to launch Zampa back over his head for another boundary and then takes a single to get 11 from the over.

Hazlewood bowls a tight over, giving away just two runs as the pacer beats Shahidi with a length delivery slanted across, going past the outside edge.

He comes down the track and has a big swing last ball but is beaten again.

Zampa also continues to build the pressures as he gives away just two singles.

16:09

Ibrahim builds Afghanistan's total

Afg 142-2 (30 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Cummins comes back for his second spell. He starts with a short ball outside the line of off-stump which Shahidi leaves. The next ball is again a bouncer which Shahid fends on the leg side for a single.

Ibrahim takes one two balls later before Cummins bowls the yorker last ball as Shahidi does well to get his bat down in time and block it out.

Maxwell continues as Ibrahmi and Shahidi take a single each before the former punches the last ball through the covers for two runs.

Cummins with the short ball tactics to Shahidi, who ducks under the first bouncer before the left-hander tries the pull but gets hit on the gloves as the ball goes fine on the leg side for a four.

Another bouncer from the pacer as Shahidi ducks under before pulling the last ball fine for a four.

Maxwell has done a superb job with the ball as he continues to keep things tight.

Three runs from Maxwell's eighth over, including a leg bye as Afghanistan's run rate continues to slow down.

Hazlewood back into the attack in place of Cummins. The first ball is down the leg side as Shahidi misses the glance with wicketkeeper putting in the dive to save some runs.

Shahidi uses his feet but miscues the heave against Hazlewood for two runs the on the leg side, followed by four singles.

Afghanistan are 142/2 in 30 overs, with Ibrahim on 72 and Shahidi on 13.

15:52

Maxwell strikes; Afghanistan 2 down

Afg 122-2 (25 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Maxwell comes back into the attack. Afghanistan's batters keep the scoreboard ticking along as they pick four singles from his fifth over.

Medium pacer Marcus Stoinis comes into the attack to bowl the 24th over. He makes a tidy start, giving away just a couple of singles in his opening over.

Maxwell's golden arm gets the much-needed breakthrough for Australia with the wicket of Rahmat, who comes down the track and lofts it down the ground but holes out to Hazlewood at long-off.

Rahmat disappointed as he throws away his good start, walking back after scoring 30 from 44 balls, after putting 83 for the second wicket with Ibrahim.

Hasmatullah Shahidi gets off the mark with a single from the last ball.

15:36

Ibrahim hits fifty; Afghanistan on top

Afg 111-1 (22 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Another quiet over from Zampa as the Afghan duo collect three singles from his third over.

Part-time off-spinner Travis Head comes into the attack, to bowl the 20th over.

He also does well to give away just three runs in his first over.

Australia's bowlers playing the game of patience, having conceded just one boundary in the last six overs.

Rahmat cuts the short ball from Zampa to sweeper cover for a single to bring up Afghanistan's 100, in the 21st over.

Three more singles as Afghanistan continue to build their total in the middle overs.

Rahmat breaks the shackles as he uses his feet to get to the pitch and loft Head over long-off for a four. He reverse sweeps the next ball for a couple of runs fine on the off-side and then takes a single.

15:25

Ibrahim hits fifty; Afghanistan on top

Afg 93-1 (18 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Ibrahim gets his half-century courtesy of a thick outside edge throwing his bat at the length ball angled across. The ball beats the dive from wicketkeeper Ibrahim and goes fine on the off-side for a four.

Ibrahim continues his good run in World Cup 2023 as he gets to the fifty from 62 balls.

Starc has some issues with the landing crease as he bowls back to back wides.

Ibrahim takes a single from the last ball to make it 13 runs, including four wides as Afghanistan reach 93/1 in 18 overs.

15:22

Ibrahim, Rahmat keep Australia at bay

Afg 76-1 (16 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Australia's bowlers looking to dry up the boundaries and build some pressure, while pulling back things after Afghanistan's fluent start.

Cummins concedes just two singles his in his second over and Maxwell gives away four runs from his fourth over.

In the next over, Ibrahim ramps the short ball from Cummins over the wicketkeeper for a boundary before he gets a thick outside edge for two runs to thirdman and takes a single from the last ball to retain strike.

Australia will look towards leg-spinner Adam Zampa to chip away at the wickets in the middle overs. He comes into the attack to bowl the 15th over.

Ibrahim and Rahat do very well to pick five singles from Zampa's first over.

Starc is back for a second spell as Australia show their desperation for a wicket.

He nearly strikes getting the ball to go past the outside edge to beat Ibrahim, who plays inside the line to the length ball slanted across.

At the drinks break, Afghanistan well placed on 76/1 in 16 overs, with Ibrahim and Rahmat on nine.

15:12

Ibrahim, Rahmat keep Australia at bay

Afg 76-1 (16 ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Australia's bowlers looking to dry up the boundaries and build some pressure, while pulling back things after Afghanistan's fluent start.

Cummins concedes just two singles his in his second over and Maxwell gives away four runs from his fourth over.

Australia will look towards leg-spinner Adam Zampa to chip away at the wickets in the middle overs. He comes into the attack to bowl the 15th over.

Ibrahim and Rahat do very well to pick five singles from Zampa's first over.

Starc is back for a second spell as Australia show their desperation for a wicket.

He nearly strikes getting the ball to go past the outside edge to beat Ibrahim, who plays inside the line to the length ball slanted across.

At the drinks break, Afghanistan well placed on 76/1 in 16 overs, with Ibrahim and Rahmat on nine.

14:52

Ibrahim guides Afghanistan past 50

Afg 55-1 (11 Ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Ibrahim looks to hit Maxwell against the spin as he mistimes it over the off-side for a couple of runs and then takes a single to deep square leg.

Captain Pat Cummins comes into the attack. Ibrahim drives the second ball through the covers for a four.

He defends the next couple of deliveries before an overthrow from wicketkeeper Inglis gets him a free run.

Afghanistan have made a solid start as they reach 46/1 in 10 overs, with Ibrahim on 24.

Maxwell to bowl his third over. Rahmat Shah takes a single before Ibrahim cuts the next behind point for a four to take Afghanistan past the 50-run mark, in the 11th over.

He hits the fifth ball for a single to long-off and Rahmat hits the next in the gap through the off-side for two runs.

14:42

Hazlewood strikes; Afghans lose 1st wkt

Afg 38-1 (8 Ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Hazlewood shows his football skills as Gurbaz steals a quick single on the pacer's follow through, who tries to kick it at the stumps but misses it by a long way.

Hazlewood bowls a wide before Ibrahim Zadran steers the fifth ball to thirdman for one.

Part-time spinner Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack. He starts with a tidy over, giving away just three singles in his first over.

Zadran continues Afghanistan's fine start as he pulls the short ball from Hazlewood behind square on the leg side for a four.

The next ball comes sharply into right-hander Ibrahim going through the gate with Josh Inglis coming up with a diving stop to his left. Australia take the review for a catch off the inside edge but it has come off the trousers and they end up losing the review.

Hazlewood strikes a couple of balls later. Gurbaz swipes the short ball straight into the hands of Starc at deep square leg to be dismissed for 21.

14:27

Gurbaz, Zadran give Afghans a good start

Afghanistan 27-0 (5 Ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Hazlewood continues, and Gurbaz pushes the ball to the covers but can't find a run. He then steers the next delivery towards point, hustling for a quick couple. Gurbaz defends the next two deliveries with a solid front foot. Finally, Gurbaz showcases his class with an elegant front-foot drive, placing the ball wide of mid-off for his second boundary of the innings. The over finishes with a simple single.

Seven runs were added to the total in that over. After four overs, Afghanistan's score stands at 20-0.

Starc continues his spell, and Gurbaz swings but fails to make contact; there are no slips in place now. Gurbaz gets a bit fortunate as he inside-edges one for a single. Zadran then flicks the ball to the leg side for a quick single. Gurbaz plays the next delivery towards the cover fielder, finding no run. Starc's attempted bouncer results in Gurbaz swiveling to play the pull shot for FOUR, and the ball takes a top edge, flying fine. The over wraps up with a single.

After 5 overs Afghanistan are 27-0.

14:17

Afghanistan off to a cautious start

Afghanistan 13-0 (3 Ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Josh Hazlewood comes from the other end. Gurbaz is beaten! He pushes the next delivery towards mid-on for a single. Zadran sends it back to the bowler and defends the rest of the over. Only 1 run came off it.

After 2 overs, Afghanistan are 6-0.

Mitchell Starc continues, and Gurbaz leaves the first ball alone. Just one slip now, and he ducks under a nasty bouncer.

Gurbaz finds the gap and will get three runs. Zadran defends the next two deliveries and ends the over with a glorious boundary. 7 runs came off the over.

After 3 overs, Afghanistan are 13-0.

14:16

Afghanistan off to a cautious start

Afghanistan 5-0 (1 Ovs) vs Australia | Scorecard

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will open the batting for Afghanistan, while Mitchell Starc has the new ball for Australia. Two slips are in place for the left-arm quick.

Starc is getting swing right from the first ball. Gurbaz plays towards third man for a single.

Zadran leaves the next delivery but misses the one after. Zadran is off the mark with three runs! He finds the gap and there's good running between the wickets.

Gurbaz taps it down for a single. The over ends with a dot ball. Five runs came off the first over.

13:41

Here are the Playing XIs

Here are the playing XIs:

Australia: Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil(w), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq

13:40

Updates: Afghanistan to bat vs Aus; Smith misses out

Afghanistan win the toss and opt to bat first.

Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said, 'We want to bat first. The wicket looks good now, and we are hopeful it will seam and spin in the second innings. We have done well chasing, but you also have to look at the opposition and the ground.'

Australia skipper Pat Cummins informed, 'We would have had a bat, but it is fine. Two changes: Steve struggled in the warm-ups and he's going to miss out, Cam Green misses out as well. Maxwell and Marsh are in.'

13:22

Smith 'not feeling' great

Australia faces another World Cup fitness concern as Steve Smith disclosed a recurrence of vertigo, a condition that has troubled him in recent years.

Despite being one win away from a semi-final spot, Smith expressed hope for his availability in the match against Afghanistan in Mumbai.

However, discomfort was evident as he struggled during training at the Wankhede Stadium on the eve of the match.

Smith's condition worsened during the training session, leading to him leaving the ground with the team physiotherapist.

12:58

Australia face Afghans in race for semis spot

Hello and welcome to the coverage of the World Cup match between Australia and Afghanistan in Mumbai on Tuesday.

With the race to the World Cup semi-finals hotting up, Australia will look to banish middle-order woes and secure a final four spot against a fearless Afghanistan.

With no other team directly threatening Australia's progress to the last four, Pat Cummins's men would like to finish the job at the first given opportunity here at the Wankhede Stadium -- a venue that has been a paradise for batting but also supports the bowlers adequately if they are good enough to exploit the conditions.

The battle promises to be an enticing watch given Afghanistan's battery of spinners and resolute batting itching to deliver a strong show against Australia, for whom leg-spinner Adam Zampa's 19 wickets in seven matches are the most for any bowler in this World Cup.

Australia need only one win from their remaining two contests -- against Afghanistan and Bangladesh -- to become the third semi-finalists and more importantly stay clear from the pack that is about to engage in a dogfight in the middle of the points table for the final spot.

WC Updates: Maxwell's 201 powers Australia to win

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