During Australia vs. Afghanistan Match 39 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, November 07 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, Afghanistan all-rounder Rashid Khan was seen in beast mode. As he came in to bat at number seven, Rashid struck two fours and three sixes in a fast-paced 35* (18) throughout his 50 overs of batting, helping Afghanistan to a respectable score of 291/5.
The 25-year-old’s amazing shots had the spectators on the edge of their seats and lit up Wankhede Stadium. He blasted a “no-look” six against Mitchell Starc that captured the attention of everyone in the arena. Rashid boldly dragged a bouncer from Starc towards the crowd at deep square leg for a maximum on the fifth ball of the 50th over. Even Ricky Ponting, a former Australian captain renowned for his incredible pull shots, was taken aback by the shot.
When explaining the shot in the commentary, Ponting remarked, “It’s like watching a game of tennis.”
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In addition to Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran was outstanding with the bat, becoming the first player in the history of the ODI World Cup to make a century for his country.
At 129* off 143 balls, Zadran was still undefeated after hitting eight fours and three sixes during his innings.
Glenn Maxwell’s historic 201* helped Australia secure a thrilling victory.
Australia’s chase got off to the worst possible start later in the second innings, as they were reduced to 87/6 just 16.4 overs, with Travis Head (0 off 2), David Warner (18 off 29), Mitchell Marsh (24 off 11), Marnus Lasbuschagne (14 off 28), and Josh Inglis (0 off 1) swiftly back in the hut.
But Glenn Maxwell had other ideas. With a record-breaking innings of 201* (128) that included 10 sixes and 21 fours smashed, Maxwell turned the tide for his team. He and Pat Cummins engaged in an undefeated 202-run partnership that enabled his team to chase down 292 in 46.5 overs and win the game by three wickets.