AUS VS AFG match highlights
AUS VS AFG match highlights:Australia defeated Afghanistan by 4 runs in their final game of the Super 12 stage to remain in semis contention.
Australian bowlers controlled the game well and restricted the Afghanistan side to – to hand their side a decent win. Gulbadin Naib, who scored the highest run for the side, was looking in good touch in his 39 off 22 balls innings but his knock was cut short by Maxwell’s magical throw, while Rashid Khan at last tried his best with a 23 ball 48 but Afghanistan lost the match just 4 runs.
Earlier, Maxwell starred with the bat for the Aussies as he helped the side to post 168 on board in 20 overs.
AUS VS AFG match highlights
Invited to bat first, Australia started the way as the situation demanded them to perform. They needed a strong total on board and win the game with huge margin in order to remain in semis contention as New Zealand already qualified for the semis from their group after claiming a comprehensive win over Ireland.
But, their openers didn’t stayed at the crease for long, as Green walked back when they were at 22 in the third over, and the smashing Warner also left the middle when the team was near 50.
The run-rate was on their side though, as they reached 50 in the 6th over. But the real shock was yet to come for them, as Steven Smith was gone for just 4 and that dismissal put the hosts on back foot.
Mitchell Marsh, however, from one end tried hard to get the momentum back and played a good knock of 45 in 30 before leaving the crease.
The star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell then joined Marcus Stoinis at the middle and added 53 for the sixth wicket. Rashid Khan then trapped Stoinis in the 16th over as the right-hander caught at square of the off-side.
Maxwell, however, remained their till end and went back with a not out tag before guiding his side to 168 in 20 overs. He played a knock of unbeaten 54 in 32 balls with the help of six fours and two maximums.
Naveen-ul-Haq was the pick of the bowler for Afghanistan, as he took 3 wickets in his 4 overs by giving just 21. Apart from him, Fazalhaq Farooqi also bagged two, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan took a wicket each.
AUS VS AFG match highlights: Afghanistan to chase 169 in 20 overs
In reply, Afghanistan faced a shaky start after Josh Hazlewood removed Usman Ghani in the third over of the innings.
Kane Richardson then removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the 6th over.
The experienced campaigner Gulbadin Naib, however, took the chare in his hand, and started smashed the ball hard.
He was at 39 in 23 and the team were at 99 after 13, but the 14th over changed the whole scenario of the game.
The steady going chase faced a dent in Zampa’s over as the clever spinner removed two Afghani batters in that over, while one walked back due to run-out. It was Glenn Maxwell’s direct hit from deep mid-wicket that forced Naib to return back to pavilion.
The skipper of Afghanistan Mohammad Nabi then failed to provide any support as he dismissed in the 14th over by Hazlewood.
With 61 required in the final 5 and just 4 wickets in hand, Rashid Khan played some unbelievable game in the final few overs and scored unbeaten 48 of just 23, but it wasn’t enough to hand Afghanistan a victory.
AUS Vs AFG match highlights: Australia’s chances to qualify for the semis
Australia with a win now moved up in the table and carrying 7 points, while England standing at third spot with 5 points and Sri Lanka at 4th position with 4 points.
The only chance left for Australia after this win is to pray that Sri Lanka will beat England in their last game as in that case, Australia will advance to the semis with 7 points alongside New Zealand, who already qualified.
