ODI World Cup 2023: Australia vs Afghanistan, 39th ODI - Who Said What?

In the 39th match of the ICC World Cup 2023, Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat against Australia at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Afghanistan put up an impressive batting display, led by opener Ibrahim Zadran, who scored an unbeaten 129 from 143 deliveries. He formed a crucial 83-run partnership with Rahmat Shah for the 2nd wicket.

As the innings progressed, Afghanistan accelerated their scoring, with Azmatullah and Rashid Khan making notable contributions, with Khan finishing strong at 35 not out from 18 balls. Although Australia's bowling was generally disciplined, some questionable bowling changes were made by Pat Cummins.

Australia's chase started horribly, as they lost early wickets, and at one point, they were struggling at 91/7. However, Glenn Maxwell did the unimaginable. In his double-century knock of 201* off 128 deliveries, the veteran all-rounder battled excruciating pain in his right thigh while not being able to run, while still pulling off a miracle. Maxwell's clutch knock helped the Aussie win the game from the jaws of defeat with more than three overs to spare, as some unbelievable show was put on display by the Australian.

Losing Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi said:

Very disappointed. Cricket is a funny game, it was unbelievable for us. We were in the game, our bowlers started very well and the dropped chances hurt us. After that, Maxwell doesn't stop, he played every kind of shot and I can give credit to him. I think the dropped catches were the key, after that Maxwell played really well. Our bowlers tried their best but he didn't give any chance to us. Proud of the team, but we will be disappointed tonight. We didn't think it would be this way, part of the game. This is cricket. We will try to come back strong against South Africa. He (Ibrahim Zadran) must be proud of himself, I am also proud that he is the first Afghan with a WC hundred. 

Winning Skipper Pat Cummins said:

Ridiculous. Don't know how to describe it. Great win! It has got to be the greatest thing that has ever happened. One of those days people will say yeah, I was at the stadium for this game. He (Maxwell) was great, he was calm. He always had a plan. Even from 200 behind to be able to win the game that way, it was really special. (On whether Maxwell wanted to walk off) We had two NSW players lining up, Zampa was on and off three times, but Maxi wanted to stay out there. It is important to remember you can win from anywhere. Real belief in the team and we are in the semi-finals now, that's great. (On what they could do better) Don't think it is the time and the place, I'm going to pause that. I think the toss is a bit tricky out here, the first 20 overs are key. Obviously there are things we could have done better.

POTM Glenn Maxwell said:

It was hot while fielding today, I haven't done a lot of exercise in the heat, it got a hold on me today. I wanted to stay back and get some movement (on my legs). Not too much (when asked about plans at 92/7), just stick to the batting plans as much as possible, for me, still be positive, still look to play my shots, that LBW, it was going just above (the stumps), probably that made me be more proactive. A hint of swing and nip (off the surface), as it happens here under lights, they bowled beautifully to exploit that. It would have been nice if it was a chanceless knock, but I had my chances, to make the most of it tonight was something I can be proud of. Amazing, after the first two games, people were quick to write us off. The belief was always there (as a team), after today, it would have gone a bit higher.