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Afghanistan vs Australia, T20 World Cup 2024, Match 4 - Full Squad
02
nd Innings
Australia
209/3
(34.5 OV)
RR 6
BATTING
R
B
4s
6s
Aaron Finch
c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Gulbadin Naib
66
49
6
4
David Warner
not out
89
114
8
0
Usman Khawaja
lbw b Rashid Khan
15
20
1
0
Steve Smith
c Hazrat Zazai b Mujeeb Ur Rahman
18
27
1
0
Glenn Maxwell
not out
4
1
1
0
Marcus Stoinis
Alex Carey
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Pat Cummins
Mitchell Starc
Adam Zampa
Total
209/3
(34.5 OV)
RR 6
Fall of Wickets
1-96 (Aaron Finch, 16.2 ov), 2-156 (Usman Khawaja, 25 ov), 3-205 (Steve Smith, 34.4 ov)
BOWLING
O
M
R
W
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
4.5
0
45
1
Hamid Hassan
6
2
15
0
Dawlat Zadran
5
0
32
0
Gulbadin Naib
5
0
32
1
Mohammad Nabi
6
0
32
0
Rashid Khan
8
0
52
1
01
st Innings
Afghanistan
207/10
(38.2 OV)
RR 5.4
BATTING
R
B
4s
6s
Mohammad Shahzad
b Mitchell Starc
0
3
0
0
Hazrat Zazai
c Alex Carey b Pat Cummins
0
2
0
0
Rahmat Shah
c Steve Smith b Adam Zampa
43
60
6
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi
st Alex Carey b Adam Zampa
18
34
3
0
Mohammad Nabi
run out (Steve Smith)
7
22
0
0
Gulbadin Naib
c Alex Carey b Marcus Stoinis
31
33
4
1
Najibullah Zadran
c Alex Carey b Marcus Stoinis
51
49
7
2
Rashid Khan
lbw b Adam Zampa
27
11
2
3
Dawlat Zadran
c Alex Carey b Pat Cummins
4
6
1
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
b Pat Cummins
13
9
1
1
Hamid Hassan
not out
1
2
0
0
Total
207/10
(38.2 OV)
RR 5.4
Fall of Wickets
1-0 (Mohammad Shahzad, 0.3 ov), 2-5 (Hazrat Zazai, 1.2 ov), 3-56 (Hashmatullah Shahidi, 13.5 ov), 4-75 (Rahmat Shah, 19.2 ov), 5-77 (Mohammad Nabi, 20.2 ov), 6-160 (Gulbadin Naib, 33.1 ov), 7-162 (Najibullah Zadran, 33.5 ov), 8-166 (Dawlat Zadran, 35 ov), 9-205 (Rashid Khan, 37.3 ov), 10-207 (Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 38.2 ov)
BOWLING
O
M
R
W
Mitchell Starc
7
1
31
1
Pat Cummins
8.2
0
40
3
Nathan Coulter-Nile
8
1
36
0
Marcus Stoinis
7
1
37
2
Adam Zampa
8
0
60
3
02
nd Innings
Australia
So that's that! The end of the first double-header day of the World Cup. Both the Trans-Tasman sides have registered comfortable wins over two Asian sides. A really good start thus for both of last World Cup's finalists. The games roll on and Sunday will see the first match for Bangladesh as they take on South Africa, who will be looking for their first win after they lost against England in the opening fixture. That one will be played at the Oval in London. It will begin at 1030 local (0930 GMT). Join us for the same! Till then, we will bid you goodbye. See you for the next match, cheers!
Australia skipper, Aaron Finch says that there are always a bit of nerves before the first game and that they have been training hard for over a month. He mentions that they have had a long build-up and it is good to get off with a win. He feels that wickets in Powerplays are crucial against any side. Tells that it was a pretty good game all around. The Aussie skipper feels that chances were taken and he also reserves special praise for Smith and Zampa for their performances on the field. Says he felt great on his own knock. Mentions that Warner's knock was really crucial for him as he was struggling early in his innings, but he kept going and did not lose the wicket which was the important part. Admits that it is really important to not get carried away and think about the net run rate before getting into a winning position. States that the opposition have world class spinners and losing wickets early would have been a huge problem so they did not think about going too fast.
Afghanistan skipper, Gulbadin Naib mentions that it was always going to be difficult against Australia as they are a champion side and that they can't have mistakes. He feels that they did not have a good start with the bat and that important batsmen fell early. Also states that they lost their way in the middle as well. About the bowling, the skipper feels in England conditions there is always help for the pacers and praises Hamid Hassan especially. He hopes that upcoming games will see some helpful tracks spin and it goes on to become drier as the tournament progresses.
David Warner is the Man of the Match for his unbeaten 89! He says it is a great win and a brilliant start for the team and wants to keep the ball rolling. Informs that there were a few nerves getting back to full training, but it all went well once Finch got the runs flowing at the start of their innings. States that it was great to get his feet back moving after such a long absence where he had taken an absolute break from training and the game. Feels that for batters on such bowler-friendly wickets, it is important to hold the nerves and just play out the new balls and the first few overs safely. The Aussie opener mentions that the difference between the side of 2015 and now is experience. Informs that there were plenty of guys who had played over 100 games then and now there are only a few but the energy levels in the camp are really high.
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan managed to cross 200, thanks to a few batting sparks and some excellent spirit. It could have been lesser, had the Aussies bowled a bit more consistently but the Men In Blue will be happy with the fight shown. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
207 seemed to be competitive at the innings break but sadly for Afghanistan, there was no competition with the ball. Mujeeb's opening two overs were taken apart and then some poor fielding really let the bowlers down. Hamid Hassan kept Australia under check but could not quite strike. No one else looked even remotely threatening, including Rashid Khan.
Normally, in a run chase, the opening stand sets the base. Finch and Warner's 96-run stand created the platform and then the 60-run stand between Warner and Khawaja killed all hopes of an Afghan win, if there were any. Finch continued his excellent form, scoring his 5th score of 50 or more in his last 6 games while Warner slowly but surely, got amongst the runs.
Professional display of batting by Australia. It would have been so easy to go hammer and tongs and try and win this in a canter but Australia ensured that there was no hara-kiri. Finch went after the bowlers but Warner ensured that he batted till the end. Khawaja and Smith could not quite get going but there was nothing much required out of them.
34.5
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Up and over! So easy, isn't it? Maxwell arrives and he finishes the game! A flatter one outside off, Glenn does not need a sighter and just smashes the first ball he faces over mid off and to the boundary. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 7 WICKETS AND COMPLETE THIS CHASE WITH MORE THAN 15 OVERS LEFT! The world champions are off to the perfect start in the World Cup.
Glenn Maxwell comes in at number five with 3 runs required!
34.4
W
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, OUT! A wicket when the match is about to end. Tossed up outside off, Smith reaches out to drive but gets a thick outside edge which flies straight in the lap of Hazrat Zazai at short third man. Smith is not happy with himself while Afghanistan manage a smile.
34.3
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
34.2
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, On middle, punched down to long on for a single.
34.1
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Full on off, pushed back to the bowler. It was almost a return catch but the ball did not carry.
34
over
34 | 5 Runs | HH: 204/2
33.6
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Warner works this off the pads to deep mid-wicket and picks up a single. He moves on to 88 and keeps strike for the next over.
33.5
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, A flick-pull kind of a shot from Warner that goes straight to the fielder on the leg side.
33.4
1
Rashid Khan to Steve Smith, Driven past the left of the bowler by Smith for a single. The Aussies are content to do it by running runs here.
33.3
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Warner punches this one back down the ground for a single.
33.2
2
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Warner tucks this off the pads towards deep backward square leg. Comes back for the second run and completes it with ease.
33.1
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Bowled quicker and flatter on off, Warner comes ahead and defends the ball on the front foot towards the bowler.
Rashid Khan to have another go.
33
over
33 | 8 Runs | HH: 199/2
32.6
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Bowled flatter on middle again, Warner drives this past the right of the bowler for a run and retains strike for the next over. The required runs are now in single digits!
32.5
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, Worked away on the leg side for a run by SS.
32.4
2
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, Smith eases this one on middle towards mid-wicket and gets a couple of runs. There is an overthrow but Smith is content with two there.
32.3
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Tucked away past mid-wicket, this time for just a run.
32.2
2
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Bowled flatter on the pads, flicked away through mid-wicket by Warner. Warner pushes and forces Smith to run back to the bowler's end for the second as well. The throw though does not come fortunately for the Aussies. Excellent running!
32.1
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, Punched back down the ground to long off for a single by Smith.
32
over
32 | 3 Runs | HH: 191/2
31.6
1
Dawlat Zadran to Steve Smith, Pulled away to deep backward square leg for a run by Steve.
31.5
0
Dawlat Zadran to Steve Smith, Good bouncer! On the middle stump line, Smith ducks under this one and lets the ball go.
31.4
0
Dawlat Zadran to Steve Smith, Good line just outside off, pushed on the front foot towards mid-wicket.
31.3
1
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Bowled on a length on middle, Warner pats it on the off side and runs through for a quick single. Makes the ground easily even as the cover fielder has a shy at the bowler's end which eventually missed the stumps.
31.2
1
Dawlat Zadran to Steve Smith, Short of a length on middle, pulled away to deep square leg for a run by Smith.
31.1
0
Dawlat Zadran to Steve Smith, Bowled on a length outside off, Smith looks to flick it away but the ball goes off the inside edge onto the pads and then rolls just beside the surface on the leg side.
31
over
31 | 8 Runs | HH: 188/2
30.6
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, Tossed up delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. Australia need just 20 runs to win the match.
30.5
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, Flighted delivery on middle, Smith defends it off the back foot.
30.4
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Steve Smith, FOUR! Tossed up outside off, Smith looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a boundary.
30.3
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Full on off, Warner drives it to long off for a single.
30.2
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Flighted delivery on middle, Warner defends it out.
30.1
2
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Tossed up on middle, Warner nudges it towards square leg. The batsmen get two runs.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is back into the attack.
30
over
30 | 9 Runs | HH: 180/2
29.6
1
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Length delivery outside off, Warner plays it towards point and takes a quick single.
29.5
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Length delivery on middle, David nudges it to leg side.
29.4
4
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, FOUR! Nice shot. Full on off, Warner lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
29.3
2
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Full and outside off, Warner drives it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
29.2
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Good length delivery on off, Warner defends it out.
29.1
2
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, RUN OUT MISSED! Length delivery on middle, Warner nudges it towards square leg. The batsmen take the single and then run blind for the second. Rashid Khan goes for a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses it. Now, Hazrat Zazai comes running in from mid off but unfortunately for him, the bowler is standing in the way. So he cannot quite be at the stumps and takes it from far. The bowler is not happy, neither is Rashid but that was not Zazai's mistake. Smith was gone by a couple of yards.
Dawlat Zadran returns. 5-0-20-0 so far.
29
over
29 | 5 Runs | HH: 171/2
28.6
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Tossed up on off, David plays it towards point for a single.
28.5
1
Rashid Khan to Steve Smith, Flighted delivery on middle, Smith flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
28.4
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Floated on off, Warner guides it towards third man for a single.
28.3
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Flighted delivery on middle, Warner drives it straight back towards Rashid who does well to stop it.
28.2
1
Rashid Khan to Steve Smith, Tossed up on off, Smith drives it towards wide mid off for a single.
28.1
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Short on off, Warner makes room and cuts it towards point for a single.
28
over
28 | 2 Runs | HH: 166/2
27.6
0
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, Another forward defense to end the over.
27.5
0
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
27.4
1
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Huge shout for LBW, turned down. Pitched outside leg, Warner misses his flick and is hit on the pads. Hamid appeals but the umpire moves away. A leg bye taken.
27.3
1
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, Outside off, punched on the up through the covers for a single.
27.2
0
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
27.1
0
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, Good length ball outside off, defended watchfully.
27
over
27 | 4 Runs | HH: 164/2
26.6
1
Rashid Khan to Steve Smith, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
26.5
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, NOT OUT! It is indeed glove. Warner attempting the reverse sweep missed the ball and got it down to third man. Flighted delivery on off, Warner looks to play the reverse sweep but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Shahzad clearly indicates gloves but Rashid insists on a second look and Gulbadin goes for the review. Ultra Edge shows that it clearly came off the glove. Waste of the review.
Loud shout for an LBW! Warner is the man in question. He has not been given out. Shahzad indicates gloves. But Rashid insists on the review and Naib takes it. Looks to be glove and this will be a loss of a review for Afghanistan...
26.4
1
Rashid Khan to Steve Smith, Short and outside off, Smith slaps it through covers for a single.
26.3
0
Rashid Khan to Steve Smith, Flighted delivery on middle, Smith defends it out.
26.2
0
Rashid Khan to Steve Smith, Tossed up on middle, Smith defends it off the front foot.
26.1
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Outside off, Warner punches it through the covers but Gulbadin Naib throws himself to his left and parries it wide of the bowler. A single taken.
26
over
26 | 4 Runs | HH: 160/2
25.6
0
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, Excellent yorker around off, pushed back to the bowler.
25.5
1
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
25.4
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Around middle and off, pushed towards cover.
25.3
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
25.2
1
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, Outside off, on a length, punched through the covers to get off the mark with a single.
25.2
1
Hamid Hassan to Steve Smith, WIDE. Gets across his stumps and lets it go down the leg side.
25.1
1
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single.
Steven Smith walks in at number 4, replacing Khawaja. Hamid Hassan is back on as well. 4-2-10-0 so far.
25
over
25 | 6 Runs | HH: 156/2
24.6
W
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, OUT! Rashid Khan gets his first wicket. Bowls a slider on middle, Khawaja looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals and the umpire raises his finger. Usman Khawaja has a chat with Warner but does not go for the review. Hawk Eye shows that impact is in line and it is hitting the middle stump. 6 runs and a wicket from the over.
24.5
0
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Flighted delivery on off, Khawaja plays a reverse sweep to point.
24.4
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Tossed up on off, Warner drives it through covers for a single.
24.3
4
Rashid Khan to David Warner, FOUR! Short and down the leg side, Warner pulls it past short fine leg!
24.2
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
24.1
1
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Full and outside off, pushed through cover for a single.
24
over
24 | 2 Runs | HH: 150/1
23.6
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Flighted delivery on off, David defends it off the front foot. Just 2 runs have come from the over.
23.5
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Tossed up on off, David plays it to point.
23.4
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Floated delivery on off, David defends it off the front foot.
23.3
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Tossed up on off, Warner defends it out.
23.2
1
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, Flighted delivery on middle, Khawaja flicks it towards square leg for a run. 150 up for Australia.
23.1
1
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Short on middle, Warner makes room and plays it towards wide mid off for a run.
23
over
23 | 6 Runs | HH: 148/1
22.6
0
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Flatter on the pads, turned towards square leg by the southpaw.
22.5
0
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Another defensive stroke from Usman as he defends the ball from the crease.
22.4
0
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Punched off the back foot back to the bowler.
22.3
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Flatter on middle, driven through mid on for a single.
22.2
4
Rashid Khan to David Warner, FOUR! Cut and cut hard. Warner picks up the boundary and also reaches his FIFTY! His 18th in ODIs. He has not been his fluent best but this innings will give him a lot of confidence. He cuts this short ball outside off, past point for a boundary to reach the landmark.
22.1
1
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Khawaja flicks this ball on the pads away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Rashid Khan comes back on.
22
over
22 | 12 Runs | HH: 142/1
21.6
1
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, Pushed away to deep cover for a single. Usman retains strike for the next over.
21.5
0
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, Khawaja comes well ahead to this flighted ball and defends it back to the bowler.
21.4
4
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, FOUR! Lovely shot. Smart as well. Flatter on the pads, Usman pulls this one away. Khawaja finds the boundary rope as well.
21.3
1
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Flatter on middle, turned towards mid-wicket for a single by Warner.
21.2
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Warner rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball on the off side.
21.1
1
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, Pushed with soft hands past extra-cover for a single by UK.
21.1
5
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, FIVE WIDES! Second one in recent overs! Bowled flatter and down the leg side, Khawaja cannot put bat on ball and neither can Shahzad reach the ball. It goes for five wides.
21
over
21 | 13 Runs | HH: 130/1
20.6
2
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Not much use of the FREE HIT! A short length ball on middle, Warner looks to pull this away but the ball goes off the top edge and wide of mid on who runs backward to try and take the catch. The ball though lands away from the fielder and two runs are taken.
FREE HIT CONTINUES...
20.6
1
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Wide! Naib bowls this one really full and wide outside the tramline outside off. It is wided and the Free Hit continues.
FREE HIT COMING UP...
20.6
1
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, NO BALL! Gulbadin Naib oversteps. Things going from bad to worse for Afghanistan. This ball is on a length on off and is defended back towards the bowler.
20.5
2
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Fuller length ball outside off, driven away wide of cover this time by David. The ball pinged off the middle of the bat. Two runs taken.
20.4
4
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, FOUR! The quick hands of Warner come to play. A short ball outside off, Warner pounces on that one and cuts it away through point. The ball beats third man easily and goes to the fence.
20.3
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Slower one on middle, Warner defends the ball back to the bowler.
20.2
1
Gulbadin Naib to Usman Khawaja, Flicked away to the left of mid on for a single this time by UK.
20.1
2
Gulbadin Naib to Usman Khawaja, Fuller ball from around the wicket on middle, flicked away through mid-wicket by Khawaja for a couple of runs.
20
over
20 | 8 Runs | HH: 117/1
19.6
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Flighted delivery on off, David defends it off the front foot.
19.5
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Tossed up on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot.
19.4
1
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, Floated delivery on off, Usman plays it towards point for a single.
19.4
5
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, FIVE WIDES! Very poor keeping by Shahzad. Bowls it wide outside off, Khawaja lets it go but Shahzad is way too lazy to even attempt the stop. It goes through him for a boundary.
19.3
1
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Floated on middle, Warner flicks it towards square leg for a single.
19.2
1
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, Flighted delivery on off, Usman plays it towards point for a run.
19.1
0
Mohammad Nabi to Usman Khawaja, Tossed up on off, Khawaja defends it off the front foot.
Mohammad Nabi returns. 3-0-10-0 so far.
19
over
19 | 6 Runs | HH: 109/1
18.6
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Floated delivery on off, David plays it to point.
18.5
4
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, MISFIELD, FOUR! Not the best bit of fielding effort from Zazai. Short delivery on leg, Warner swivels and pulls it through square leg. Hazratullah Zazai runs to his right and gets down to stop it but misses it totally. The ball goes through for a boundary. Shoddy effort. This is one area where Afghanistan have been disappointing today. Fielding. That brings the required number of runs to under 100.
18.4
1
Gulbadin Naib to Usman Khawaja, Length delivery outside off, Khawaja dabs it towards third man for a single.
18.3
1
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Short and outside off, Warner cuts it through point. The batsmen cross ends.
18.2
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Good length delivery on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot.
18.1
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, On a length on off, Warner drives it to mid off.
DRINKS BREAK! Australia are well on course to chase this total down and begin their defense on a strong note. Finch continued his great form while Warner has been cautious about his stroke-making. He will probably aim to bat through till the end of the innings.
18
over
18 | 5 Runs | HH: 103/1
17.6
0
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Flighted delivery on off, Khawaja plays it to point.
17.5
0
Rashid Khan to Usman Khawaja, Tossed up on off, Khawaja blocks it well.
17.4
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Floated delivery on middle, Warner flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
17.3
4
Rashid Khan to David Warner, FOUR! Fractionally short outside off, Warner goes back and runs it down behind short third man. The ball races away.
17.2
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Flighted delivery on off, Warner punches it to point.
17.1
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Tossed up on off, Warner plays it to covers.
17
over
17 | 4 Runs | HH: 98/1
16.6
1
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Length delivery on leg, Warner flicks it through square leg for a single. 4 runs and a wicket from the over. A productive over for Afghanistan.
16.5
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Good length delivery on middle, David defends it out.
16.4
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Length delivery on off, David plays it to point.
16.3
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Good length delivery on middle, Warner defends it off the back foot.
16.3
1
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, WIDE! Bowls it down the leg side, Warner looks to flick but misses it.
Usman Khawaja walks out to bat at number 3, replacing his skipper.
16.2
W
Gulbadin Naib to Aaron Finch, OUT! First breakthrough for Afghanistan. Naib bowls a back of a hand slower one outside off, Finch lofts it over covers but does not get the distance on it. The bat turned in his hands. It goes to Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the deep who takes a comfortable catch. A wicket for Afghanistan at last as the 96-run opening stand is broken.
16.1
2
Gulbadin Naib to Aaron Finch, Full and outside off, Finch drives it through covers. It goes to Mujeeb in the deep who fumbles and concedes two runs.
Gulbadin Naib brings himself back on now.
16
over
16 | 7 Runs | HH: 94/0
15.6
1
Rashid Khan to Aaron Finch, Floated on off, Finch plays it towards point for a single.
15.5
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Tossed up on off, Warner cuts it towards covers for a single.
15.4
2
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Short and outside off, Warner slaps it through covers. The batsmen get two runs.
15.3
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, BEATEN! Bowls a googly outside off, Warner looks to cut but misses it due to the spin on this one.
15.2
1
Rashid Khan to Aaron Finch, Short delivery on middle, Finch pulls it through square leg for a run.
15.1
2
Rashid Khan to Aaron Finch, Short and outside off, Finch makes room and cuts it through point. The batsmen pick up a couple.
15
over
15 | 4 Runs | HH: 87/0
14.6
1
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Bowled slower through the air on the middle stump line, eased away to long on with a straight bat for a single by Finch as he retains strike for the next over. There was a funny moment there as in the attempt to reach that ball, Nabi was holding onto the non-striker.
14.5
1
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Played with soft hands past the bowler to his left by the southpaw for a run.
14.4
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Slightly flighted outside off, Warner punches this ball but it goes too close to extra-cover. Dot ball.
14.3
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Pushed with soft hands towards cover by Warner this time.
14.2
1
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Flatter one on middle, pushed away to the left of extra-cover for a run by the skipper.
14.1
1
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Flatter on middle, pushed away to deep cover for a single by Warner. He thinks of the second as well but it is too close to the fielder.
14
over
14 | 14 Runs | HH: 83/0
13.6
1
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Tossed up on off, Warner punches it towards mid off for a single. 14 runs have come from the 14th over. Rashid Khan has been greeted in style.
13.5
0
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Floated on off, Warner defends it off the back foot.
13.4
2
Rashid Khan to David Warner, Short on off, Warner makes room and cuts it through point. The batsmen get two runs.
13.3
1
Rashid Khan to Aaron Finch, Tossed up on leg, Finch looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards fine leg for a run.
13.2
6
Rashid Khan to Aaron Finch, SIX! This is even better. Short on middle, Finch pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie.
13.1
4
Rashid Khan to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Easy pickings for the skipper. 50 up for Aaron Finch. It is his 22nd fifty. This has been a great innings from him. Short and outside off, Finch cuts it through point for a boundary and gets to the landmark. 5th 50-plus score for him in the last 6 ODI innings.
Rashid Khan is into the attack.
13
over
13 | 3 Runs | HH: 69/0
12.6
1
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Finch picks up another single to end the over. He will retain strike for the next one.
12.5
1
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Warner flicks this away to deep mid-wicket for a single.
12.4
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
12.3
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Bowled flatter on leg and going down with the angle. Warner misses the flick and gets hit low on the pads outside the line of the stumps.
12.2
0
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, NOT OUT! Flatter outside off, Warner wanted to cut the ball away but it goes off the bottom edge and towards the keeper. David did not know where the ball was and steps out for a run before realising the ball was close to Shahzad only. The keeper picks up the ball and disturbs the timber. Loud appeal from the keeper and it is taken up for the third umpire to make a decision. The replays though show that Mohammad was just too slow there to remove the stumps. Warner survives, he would have had his heart in his mouth there. Would have also been a terrible way to be dismissed.
Huge confusion! Warner did not know where the ball was and had stepped out. Shahzad has removed the bails but was the batsman in just in time? Lets see what the replays say!
12.1
1
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Flatter outside off, eased away to deep cover for a run by Finch.
12
over
12 | 8 Runs | HH: 66/0
11.6
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Flicked towards mid-wicket by Warner. He yells out a loud no this time.
11.5
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Punched off the back foot towards mid on by the southpaw. Loud 'WAIT ON' follows.
11.4
1
Gulbadin Naib to Aaron Finch, Punched firmly this time to deep cover for a single by Aaron.
11.3
6
Gulbadin Naib to Aaron Finch, SIX! Finch is on fire! A short ball outisde off at 122 kph! The Aussie skipper prowls onto that like a hungry tiger. He slaps this ball hard over deep mid-wicket and clears the boundary with ease.
11.2
0
Gulbadin Naib to Aaron Finch, Pushed off the back foot towards mid on by Finch. The ball went quickly to the fielder and hence a single cannot be taken.
11.1
1
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Good length outside off, punched away to deep cover by Warner coming ahead. A single is picked up.
11
over
11 | 3 Runs | HH: 58/0
10.6
0
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Flatter outside off, Finch goes back in the crease and punches this ball towards extra-cover. 3 runs off Nabi's first over.
10.5
0
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Pushed towards mid off by Aaron.
10.4
0
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Finch comes ahead and defends this ball with soft hands.
10.3
0
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Flatter outside off, pushed with soft hands towards backward point by AF.
10.2
2
Mohammad Nabi to Aaron Finch, Shorter outside off, dabbed down past short third man for a couple of runs by the Australian skipper.
10.1
1
Mohammad Nabi to David Warner, Flatter outside off, pushed towards cover by Warner for a single. The throw from cover is a wild one and the mid on fielder cannot back up but there is another fielder in the deep who stops the ball and prevents the extra run or overthrow.
Powerplay 2 time! Four fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the 40th over now. Meanwhile, time for spin again. Mohammad Nabi comes on to bowl.
10
over
10 | 1 Runs | HH: 55/0
9.6
0
Gulbadin Naib to Aaron Finch, Good length delivery on off, Aaron plays it to covers. Just 1 run from the over. Australia are 55/0 after 10 overs. It has been a strong Powerplay 1 for them.
9.5
0
Gulbadin Naib to Aaron Finch, Length delivery on off, Finch plays it to mid off.
9.4
1
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Length delivery on middle, Warner flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
9.3
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, On a good length on off, David defends it off the front foot.
9.2
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Length delivery on off, Warner plays it to covers.
9.1
0
Gulbadin Naib to David Warner, Short of a length outside off, Warner stays inside the crease and defends this ball.
The skipper comes on now. Gulbadin Naib to bowl his military medium pace.
9
over
9 | 10 Runs | HH: 54/0
8.6
4
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Four dots in the over and concedes two boundaries. Full on off, Finch drives it through covers for a boundary. 10 runs have come from the over.
8.5
0
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, On a good length on middle, Aaron defends it out.
8.4
0
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, Length delivery on off, Finch punches it to mid off.
8.3
6
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, SIX! Powerful shot from the skipper. 50 up for Australia and that also brings the 50-run stand between David Warner and Aaron Finch. Short delivery, Finch pulls it over mid-wicket for a maximum.
8.2
0
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, Full on middle, Finch drives it to mid on where the fielder makes a fine stop with a dive.
8.1
0
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, On a good length on leg, Finch looks to flick but gets hit on the pads.
8
over
8 | 0 Runs | HH: 44/0
7.6
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, On a good length on off, Warner plays it to covers. Maiden over from Hamid Hassan. His second.
7.5
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Length delivery on off, David plays it to point.
7.4
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Full toss outside off, Warner drives it to mid off.
7.3
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, On a good length and just outside off, Warner leaves it alone.
7.2
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, David gets right behind the line of the ball before defending it well.
7.1
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Back of a length outside off, Warner looks to slam it away but the ball goes off the inside half towards mid off.
7
over
7 | 4 Runs | HH: 44/0
6.6
0
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, On a good length on off, Finch defends it out.
6.5
2
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, On a length on leg, Finch flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.
6.5
1
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, WIDE! Bowls a bouncer, Finch lets it sail through to the keeper.
6.4
1
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Dawlat bowls a short delivery, Warner looks to pull but gets a bottom edge on this one. It goes towards third man for a single.
6.3
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
6.2
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Outside off, again, pushed once more to cover.
6.1
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
6
over
6 | 5 Runs | HH: 40/0
5.6
0
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, Outside off, pushed towards point.
5.5
0
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, A short ball outside off, Finch looks to tuck it away but misses and gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. Looks to be in pain.
5.4
0
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, Huge shout for a caught behind! Turned down. Hit the thigh. This is good stuff from Hamid Hassan. On a good length on middle, Finch looks to flick but misses it. It goes towards Shahzad who appeals for a catch but the umpire shakes his head.
5.3
1
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, On a good length on off, Warner plays it towards point for a single.
5.2
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, On a good length and outside off, Warner shoulders his arms to this one.
5.1
4
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, EDGE AND FOUR! That was a good ball from Hamid Hassan. He bowls it on a good length and outside off, Warner looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards first slip where Rahmat Shah tries to stop it with a dive but it goes through him towards third man for a boundary.
5
over
5 | 6 Runs | HH: 35/0
4.6
0
Dawlat Zadran to Aaron Finch, Back of a length outside off to end the over, Finch punches this ball to covers. 6 runs off the first Dawlat over.
4.5
1
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, On the hips, tucked away through mid-wicket by the left-hander for a single.
4.4
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, A length ball outside off, it is played towards point by Warner.
4.3
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, Another one outside off, left alone by the southpaw again.
4.2
0
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
4.1
4
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, FOUR! Warner does open up and how! A short length ball on the Free Hit and David just slaps this with a flat bat across the line. The ball goes over the bowler's head and powers its way to the rope. That must make Warner feel a lot better as it came off the middle of the bat.
FREE HIT TIME! Will Warner open up here?
4.1
1
Dawlat Zadran to David Warner, No ball! Dawlat bowls this on a length outside off and it is left alone by the southpaw. Unfortunately for the bowler, he has overstepped and it will be a no ball.
Dawlat Zadran is the first bowling change for Afghanistan. He replaces Mujeeb.
4
over
4 | 5 Runs | HH: 29/0
3.6
4
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, Edged and FOUR! Lucky runs for Finch but he will not mind. A wide ball outside off, Finch slashes away from the body. He gets a thick outside edge which flies well past slip and runs away fine of third man for a boundary.
3.5
0
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, This keeps a tad bit low after being bowled outside off on a short length. Finch though somehow keeps the ball out off the back foot.
3.4
0
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, Bowled on the pads this time, Finch does not put bat on ball as he tries to flick this away. It goes on the pads and falls down on the surface.
3.3
0
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, Good ball! Bowled at 144 clicks outside off, Finch looks to punch off the back foot but the away movement takes the ball past the outside edge.
3.2
0
Hamid Hassan to Aaron Finch, Really full ball on off, dug out back to the bowler by Finch.
3.1
1
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Misfield allows for a single. A fuller ball outside off, Warner drives this hard to mid off who runs to his left and makes a half-stop. Single taken.
3
over
3 | 14 Runs | HH: 24/0
2.6
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Poor ball and easy pickings for Finch. Bowled on the pads, Aaron easily glances this one past short fine leg. The ball runs away to the boundary. 14 from the over, Mujeeb has gone for 24 in his 2 overs so far. Time to end the experiment?
2.5
3
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Excellent running! Flatter outside off, punched off the back foot by Warner wide of cover. Naib there dives but could not stop the ball. The fielder from mid off, Dawlat chases the ball and saves a run for his side.
2.4
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, Finch looks for another slog but this time the ball goes off the inner half towards deep square leg for a single. Aaron wanted the second run but Warner sends him back.
2.3
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, Shortens the length this time outside off, Finch chops this ball straight to the point fielder.
2.2
6
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, SIX! Finch seems in murderous mood here. A flighted ball on middle, Aaron gets under the ball and lifts it with ease over long on. Huge! This is the first one of the run chase.
2.1
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, Flatter outside off, cut by Finch towards backward point.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 10/0
1.6
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Another good ball on off and it is punched to point by David. 6 dot balls, that is, a maiden! Lovely over from Hassan.
1.5
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, WAIT ON! WAIT ON! Warner pushes this back of a length ball on off towards cover-point and yells that loudly to his partner.
1.4
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Left alone outside off once more by the southpaw.
1.3
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Another one on a length outside off, Warner pushes this towards cover.
1.2
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Good line again! Close to the off stump and moves away. Warner initially wanted to defend that one but then lets it go.
1.1
0
Hamid Hassan to David Warner, Good ball to start! A length ball outside off, swings away. Warner wants to feel that ball on bat but it goes past his outside edge.
Hamid Hassan to bowl from the other end with the second new ball.
1
over
1 | 10 Runs | HH: 10/0
0.6
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, Pushed off front foot towards mid off by AF to end the over.
0.5
0
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, A watchful defense this time by Finch coming ahead.
0.4
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, FOUR! This goes over the head of mid off and to the fence. This is flighted outside off and Finch has room to free his arms and hit this ball. It clears mid off with ease and races to the fence. Australia into double figures.
0.3
4
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Finch smashes this one. A flighted ball wide outside off, Aaron smacks this away wide of mid off. The ball runs away to the fence with brilliant timing. The first boundary of the run chase.
0.2
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to David Warner, Slightly slower through the air this time on the pads, Warner gets off the mark too as he tucks this ball away through mid-wicket for a run.
0.1
1
Mujeeb Ur Rahman to Aaron Finch, Fired in on the pads at 94 kph! Flicked away through square leg by Finch to deep mid-wicket and he gets off the mark with a single.
We are back for the chase. The Afghanistan team is seen on the sidelines in a team talk while they await the Australian openers who then trot in. Aaron Finch and David Warner it will be. Can these two show us some fireworks like how they did when they lit up the last World Cup? They will be up against the spin of Mujeeb Ur Rahman first. 208 to win, who will win? Lets play!!!
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01
st Innings
Afghanistan
208 to win for Australia. Will they canter to a win? Or will Afghanistan make matters difficult for them? Let us hope for a good run chase. We shall be back shortly...
Adam Zampa says it was an interesting day for him as he went for runs but also got wickets. The leggie credits Afghanistan for playing fearless cricket. Regarding the kind of surfaces and length of boundaries here being tough on the bowlers, Zampa says one has to change the length against the batsmen who play a variety of shots like reverse sweeps. On the challenge they could possibly face while chasing, Adam feels the pitch might suit the opposition spinners a bit and it could be a good challenge for his team's batsmen as the ball is skidding on a bit as well and also has some pace on it. Zampa signs off by saying that they started well but lacked a little intensity in the middle but hastily adds they finished off well.
Before this game began, the newspapers were all about Australia bracing themselves against spin with the bat. Will 208 be hauled down? Or will Afghanistan cause an upset? Adam Zampa has his thoughts about all that, as he has a chat with Michael Clarke...
Afghanistan will take this score any given day. In normal scenario, they will believe that they are 40-50 runs short but they will take hope from the fact that they were in trouble not once, but twice. They were 2 down in the second over and then lost half their side when 40 percent of the innings should have been completed. But on both occasions, they had partnerships. First Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi steadied things in the middle and then in the middle overs, Gulbadin Naib and Najibullah Zadran revived Afghanistan's hopes with a 83-run stand for the 6th wicket. But then, they lost their way once more, before a Rashid Khan cameo took them post 200.
Here is where Australia would see this as a problem. Although the total they are chasing is not a massive one, but they lacked intensity in the middle overs and allowed Afghanistan to forge a partnership. That passage saw a lot of misfields, loose bowling, plenty of unnecessary short stuff and runs getting leaked. That shows a bit of rustiness in them and they will hope to get that rectified before their next game.
Normally, in major events, when we talk about Australia's bowling, we look at one person and how will he bowl. Mitchell Aaron Starc. On some days, he can be extremely lethal and reduce the opposition to cinders. On other days, he can remind you of the other Mitchell Johnson, who had a song written about him, 'he bowls to the left, he bowls to the right...'. Starc today started the tournament perfectly. Set up Mohammad Shahzad and got the ball to talk, which is what the whole of Australia would have wanted to see. Pat Cummins gave him good support with the new ball and then Adam Zampa stepped it up for his side, picking up 3 wickets.
A decent bowling performance by Australia but one would believe that they have conceded 40-50 runs extra. They had the foot on the throat with the Afghans reeling at 77/5 but then overdose of short stuff led to the side effect of runs getting leaked.
38.2
W
Pat Cummins to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, OUT! Bowled! Lock, stock and barrel! Full and straight, Mujeeb backs a long way down the leg side and looks to go inside out but misses. The ball hits the timber and AFGHANISTAN ARE ALL OUT FOR 207.
38.1
0
Pat Cummins to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Oops! A short ball, outside off, Mujeeb initially looks to paddle but gets surprised by the short stuff. He tries to fend at it but the ball hits his gloves and drops down, just missing the stumps! He wants a single but is sent back.
38
over
38 | 9 Runs |
HH: 207/9
37.6
0
Adam Zampa to Hamid Hassan, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
37.5
1
Adam Zampa to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, On middle, pushed through mid on for a run.
37.4
1
Adam Zampa to Hamid Hassan, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
Hamid Hassan is the last man in.
37.3
W
Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, OUT! It turns out to be plumb. The slider from Zampa, landing around middle, Rashid got across and looked to sweep but missed. Was hit on the pads and umpire Aleem Dar did not waste any time in raising his finger. Rashid takes the review but it is just delaying the inevitable. Hawk Eye shows it to be hitting the middle stump.
Rashid has been adjudged LBW! But he takes the review. Sanjay Manjrekar on air feels this is a tactical one as Afghanistan have only two wickets left. Looks close...
37.2
6
Adam Zampa to Rashid Khan, SIX! That is a terrific shot! Tossed up outside off, Rashid comes down the track and sends this sailing over long off!
37.1
1
Adam Zampa to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, A low full toss, around middle, pushed through mid on for a single.
Adam Zampa returns. This could be fun. Leg spinner against two spinners. 7-0-51-2 so far.
37
over
37 | 11 Runs |
HH: 198/8
36.6
0
Pat Cummins to Rashid Khan, A slower ball, short in length, outside off, Rashid looks to play the upper cut but misses. 11 from the over, 32 from the last 2!
Interesting. The physio comes out but Mujeeb signals him to go back! Tough lad...
36.5
1
Pat Cummins to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, OUCH! That has hurt. Another short ball, following the batsman down the leg side, Mujeeb looks to pull but his eyes are closed. The ball hits him flush on the right glove and deflects towards square leg. A run taken.
36.4
6
Pat Cummins to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, SIX! This is off the top edge now. The runs continue to flow for Afghanistan. A short ball, following the batsman, down the leg side, Mujeeb hooks with his eyes closed but the top edge sails over fine leg!
36.3
0
Pat Cummins to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, A short ball, right at the head, typical fast bowler's response, Mujeeb looks to pull but misses.
36.2
4
Pat Cummins to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, FOUR! Another boundary for Afghanistan! 5th in the span of 7 balls. Australia continue to persist with the short stuff and Afghanistan have decided to meet fire with fire. A short ball, Mujeeb backs away to the leg side and pulls it through mid-wicket. Plenty of free acres of real estate on that side.
36.1
0
Pat Cummins to Mujeeb Ur Rahman, A quick short ball outside off, Mujeeb looks to pull but misses.
36
over
36 | 21 Runs |
HH: 187/8
35.6
6
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, SIX! 21 from the over and Rashid is taking Stoinis to the cleaners! Another short ball, outside off, Rashid pulls this into oblivion over mid-wicket! Stoinis just has a wry smile on his face...
35.5
4
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, FOUR! This is more of a slog but Rashid knows what he is doing. A length ball, outside off, Khan backs away to the leg side and slaps it over mid off and gets a boundary!
35.4
4
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, FOUR! Nicely done. Full and on middle, Rashid flicks it through mid-wicket. Nathan Coulter-Nile in the circle dives to his right but cannot quite get to it. The ball races away.
35.3
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, Around off, fuller in length, pushed towards point.
Third man drops back now.
35.2
6
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, SIX! That is a lovely shot! A length ball, around middle, Rashid comes down the track and hits it over long on! Nice connection!
35.1
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
35.1
1
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, WIDE. A bouncer around off, Rashid ducks.
All of a sudden, it seems like the wickets are flowing as a river. The short stuff is getting good results for the Australians.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman walks out to bat now.
35
over
35 | 4 Runs |
HH: 166/8
34.6
W
Pat Cummins to Dawlat Zadran, OUT! Afghanistan are falling like a pack of cards here. Cummins bowls a good short ball on leg, Zadran looks to pull but gets an outside edge. It goes towards Alex Carey who takes his fourth catch of the day. Pat Cummins followed Dawlat Zadran there. 4 runs and a wicket from the over. A productive over for Australia.
34.5
4
Pat Cummins to Dawlat Zadran, FOUR! Good shot. Cummins bowls a short delivery, Zadran takes his eyes off the ball and pulls it over square leg for a boundary.
34.4
0
Pat Cummins to Dawlat Zadran, Outside off, Zadran shoulders arms to this one.
34.3
0
Pat Cummins to Dawlat Zadran, A play and a miss. On a good length and outside off, Dawlat looks to fend at this one but gets beaten on this one.
34.2
0
Pat Cummins to Dawlat Zadran, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
34.1
0
Pat Cummins to Dawlat Zadran, A short ball, around middle, Dawlat looks to hook but misses. Cummins appeals for the catch but the umpire shakes his head. Australia do not review.
Pat Cummins is back on. 6-0-25-1 so far.
34
over
34 | 2 Runs |
HH: 162/7
33.6
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.
Dawlat Zadran walks in at number 9, replacing Najibullah.
33.5
W
Marcus Stoinis to Najibullah Zadran, OUT! Another catch for Carey and Stoinis has his second in the over. This is good stuff from Stoinis. He bowls a short of a length delivery, Zadran looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards Carey again who takes the simplest of catches. Najibullah Zadran has thrown it away. This is poor stuff from Afghanistan. This partnership should have stayed till the end.
33.4
1
Marcus Stoinis to Rashid Khan, Full and outside off, Khan drives it towards point where the fielder dives to stop it but it goes through him. The batsmen take a single.
33.3
1
Marcus Stoinis to Najibullah Zadran, TOP EDGE, BUT SAFE! A short ball now, Najibullah looks to pull but gets a top edge. Cummins gets across from deep square leg and dives but cannot get to the ball. Long leg gets across to his right and stops it on the bounce. A run taken.
33.2
0
Marcus Stoinis to Najibullah Zadran, Full and outside off, driven beautifully but straight to mid off.
Rashid Khan walks in at number 8, replacing his skipper.
33.1
W
Marcus Stoinis to Gulbadin Naib, OUT! Stoinis strikes first ball on return! Good catch from Alex Carey. OUT! The dangerous partnership is broken. Stoinis bowls a short delivery, Naib looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards Alex Carey who takes a comfortable catch. This partnership was taking the game away from Australia. It is a much-needed wicket for them.
Marcus Stoinis returns. 5-1-14-1 so far.
33
over
33 | 7 Runs |
HH: 160/5
32.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Lucky boundary! But that brings up the FIFTY FOR Najibullah! A good bouncer by Starc, Zadran looks to fend it off uncomfortably but luck is shining on him today. The ball goes off the glove and top edge over the keeper's head for a boundary. This is his 10th fifty in this format. Been a wonderful knock so far but he needs to make this a big one!
32.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Pushed off the back foot towards point.
32.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Gulbadin Naib, Bowled really quick, 142 kph on a length on the pads. Naib looks to swing the ball over mid-wicket but gets beaten by pace. The ball rolls off the thigh pad and down to fine leg for a leg bye.
32.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Run down off the hips down to fine leg for a single by Zadran.
32.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Wide! Short of a length ball down the leg side. It is wided by the ump.
32.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Good length ball on off, defended on the front foot to cover.
32.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Full ball on middle, defended back down to the bowler by the southpaw.
32
over
32 | 10 Runs |
HH: 153/5
31.6
6
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, SIX! Powerful shot from the skipper. 150 up for Afghanistan. Short delivery on middle, Naib pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 10 runs have come from this over and 19 runs have come from the last two.
31.5
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Length delivery on middle, Zadran looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends.
31.4
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, On a good length and outside off, Zadran lets it go.
31.3
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Length delivery on middle, Zadran nudges it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. Zadran takes the second also but he did not ground his bat at the bowler's end.
31.2
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Short of a length delivery, Naib looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes towards wide mid on where Aaron Finch gets there but it falls short of him. The batsmen take a single.
31.1
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Full and outside off, Zadran looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a single.
31
over
31 | 9 Runs |
HH: 143/5
30.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! No long on and that is a boundary! Full and around middle, Naib drives it through mid on. He is a bit wide and the ball races through to the fence!
30.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Full and down the leg side, Zadran flicks it towards deep square leg for a run.
30.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Poor line. Down the leg side, Najibullah helps it to the fine leg fence. There is a man stationed at fine leg but he is a bit square.
30.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
30.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Around off, defended solidly.
30.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Najibullah Zadran, Full and swinging, but down the leg side, Najibullah looks to flick but misses and is hit on the front pad. The ball rolls to the leg side and Naib wants the single but is sent back. Replays show why. The ball hit him on the knee cap. Ouch.
Oh dear... some sort of a delay. Seems to be a sightscreen issue. The umpires are sorting that out with the ground staff.
Mitchell Starc is back on. Finch realizes that he needs to stop the game drifting away. 5-1-16-1 so far. Will he get any reverse?
DRINKS BREAK. Afghanistan are staging a nice recovery here. That 22-run over of Zampa in the 29th has definitely given some sort of a momentum to the Afghans. Najibullah is slowly upping the ante while Naib is looking in good touch too. If Afghanistan end up playing their 50 overs, 260-275 could be achieved which should be a very good total on this surface.
30
over
30 | 5 Runs |
HH: 134/5
29.6
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
29.5
2
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a couple.
29.4
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
29.3
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Around off, defended from the crease.
29.2
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Around off, comes in sharply, Najibullah defends watchfully.
29.2
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, WIDE. Too high to worry the batsman! The umpire has signalled a wide.
29.1
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Down the leg side, flicked away for a single.
29
over
29 | 22 Runs |
HH: 129/5
28.6
6
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, SIX! Consecutive sixes for Najibullah Zadran. That brings up the 50-run stand between Najibullah Zadran and Gulbadin Naib. Full toss on middle, Zadran lofts it over mid-wicket for a biggie. 22 runs have come from the over. Big over for Afghanistan and a much-needed one for them.
28.5
6
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, SIX! This is excellent batting from Najibullah Zadran. Flighted delivery on leg, Zadran lofts it over long on for a maximum.
28.4
4
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Najibullah Zadran. This is even better. Short and outside off, Zadran smashes it over covers for a boundary.
28.3
4
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Nice shot. Flighted delivery on leg, Zadran plays a paddle sweep towards fine leg for a boundary.
28.2
1
Adam Zampa to Gulbadin Naib, Flighted delivery on off, Naib punches it to long off for a single.
28.1
1
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Tossed up on leg, Zadran plays a reverse sweep through point for a single.
28
over
28 | 0 Runs |
HH: 107/5
27.6
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Length delivery outside off, Gulbadin plays it to point. Maiden over from Coulter-Nile. Third by Australia so far.
27.5
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Short delivery again, Naib looks to pull but misses it.
27.4
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Length delivery on off, Naib plays it to off side.
27.3
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Short of a length delivery, Naib looks to pull but misses it.
27.2
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, On a good length on off, Naib hammers it straight back. Coulter-Nile tries to stop it with his right hand but deflects it towards mid on.
27.1
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Gulbadin Naib, Coulter-Nile bowls it on a good length on off, Naib defends it off the back foot.
27
over
27 | 5 Runs |
HH: 107/5
26.6
0
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Flighted delivery on off, Zadran drives it to covers.
26.5
0
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Tossed up on off, Zadran defends it off the front foot.
26.4
0
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Floated delivery on off, Zadran drives it to covers.
26.3
4
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Nice shot. Full and outside off, Zadran drives it through wide mid off for a boundary.
26.2
0
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Full on middle, Zadran drives it back towards the bowler where Zampa does well to stop it.
26.1
1
Adam Zampa to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up on off, Naib drives it towards covers for a single.
26
over
26 | 4 Runs |
HH: 102/5
25.6
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Bowls a bouncer, Zadran does well to duck under it.
25.5
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, On a length on off, Zadran plays it to covers.
25.4
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Zadran looks to cut but misses it due to the away movement on this one.
25.3
4
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! 100 up for Afghanistan. Excellent shot. Short and outside off, Zadran cuts it hard through point for a boundary.
25.2
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Short of a length delivery outside off, Zadran offers no shot to this one.
25.1
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Najibullah Zadran, Full and outside off, Zadran looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards Steve Smith at first slip who stops it with a dive and saves a run for the team.
Nathan Coulter-Nile returns. 4-0-17-0 so far.
25
over
25 | 7 Runs |
HH: 98/5
24.6
0
Adam Zampa to Gulbadin Naib, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
24.5
1
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
24.4
4
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, FOUR! Nicely done. Full and outside leg, this time Zadran gets his reverse sweep to connect and gets it over point.
24.3
1
Adam Zampa to Gulbadin Naib, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
24.2
1
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Outside off, tapped towards point for a single.
24.1
0
Adam Zampa to Najibullah Zadran, Outside leg, Najibullah looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. The umpire does not signal a wide.
Adam Zampa returns. 4-0-17-2 so far.
24
over
24 | 1 Runs |
HH: 91/5
23.6
0
Pat Cummins to Gulbadin Naib, A bouncer on middle, Naib ducks.
23.5
1
Pat Cummins to Najibullah Zadran, A short ball, around leg, Najibullah looks to fend it away but the ball rises steeply and goes off the outside edge towards third man. A run taken.
23.4
0
Pat Cummins to Najibullah Zadran, A jaffa. On a good length around off, Najibullah looks to defend but the ball moves away and beats the outside edge.
23.3
0
Pat Cummins to Najibullah Zadran, Around off, pushed towards cover.
23.2
0
Pat Cummins to Najibullah Zadran, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
23.1
0
Pat Cummins to Najibullah Zadran, On a good length around middle, Najibullah looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
23
over
23 | 4 Runs |
HH: 90/5
22.6
0
Marcus Stoinis to Gulbadin Naib, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
22.5
0
Marcus Stoinis to Gulbadin Naib, Outside off, punched towards cover.
22.4
0
Marcus Stoinis to Gulbadin Naib, A bouncer on middle, Naib ducks.
22.3
4
Marcus Stoinis to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! Full on middle, Naib flicks it through mid-wicket and the ball races away.
22.2
0
Marcus Stoinis to Gulbadin Naib, Around off, defended from the crease.
22.1
0
Marcus Stoinis to Gulbadin Naib, Full and outside off, driven straight to short extra cover.
22
over
22 | 9 Runs |
HH: 86/5
21.6
1
Pat Cummins to Gulbadin Naib, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
21.5
0
Pat Cummins to Gulbadin Naib, Full and straight, watchfully defended towards mid on.
21.4
0
Pat Cummins to Gulbadin Naib, Excellent comeback from Cummins. In the corridor of uncertainty, GN does not know whether to come forward or stay back and feebly pushes at it. Misses the ball by some distance.
21.3
4
Pat Cummins to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! Take that! Just before this ball, Cummins gave Naib the stare and now, the favours are returned. A half tracker, outside off, Gulbadin pulls it in a trice to the mid-wicket fence!
21.2
0
Pat Cummins to Gulbadin Naib, A bouncer outside off, Gulbadin lets it go through.
21.1
4
Pat Cummins to Gulbadin Naib, FOUR! FEROCIOUS! A short ball, outside off, Naib pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary!
Pat Cummins is back on. 4-0-15-1 so far.
21
over
21 | 0 Runs |
HH: 77/5
20.6
0
Marcus Stoinis to Najibullah Zadran, Around off, watchfully defended. A WICKET MAIDEN for Australia.
20.5
0
Marcus Stoinis to Najibullah Zadran, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
20.4
0
Marcus Stoinis to Najibullah Zadran, Outside off, Najibullah looks to defend but the ball seams a long way and beats the outside edge.
20.3
0
Marcus Stoinis to Najibullah Zadran, Around off, defended watchfully.
Najibullah Zadran is the new man in at number 7, replacing Nabi.
20.2
W
Marcus Stoinis to Mohammad Nabi, OUT! Communication breakdown and another wicket goes down. Afghanistan are in tatters now. Total shambles. Full and outside off, Nabi pushes it through the covers and sets off for a single. Naib responds but then looks at Smith diving to his left to stop the ball and stops. Now, Steve gets up in a flash and returns the ball to the keeper. Carey comes running in, collects the throw and disturbs the bails, with Nabi well short.
20.1
0
Marcus Stoinis to Mohammad Nabi, Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler.
20
over
20 | 2 Runs |
HH: 77/4
19.6
0
Adam Zampa to Gulbadin Naib, Tossed up outside off, Naib guides it towards short third man where Stoinis does well to stop it with a dive. 2 runs and a wicket from the over. Good bowling from Zampa.
19.5
1
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted delivery on off, Nabi drives it towards covers for a run.
19.4
0
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up on middle, Nabi looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
19.3
1
Adam Zampa to Gulbadin Naib, Floated delivery on off, Naib plays it towards point for a single.
19.2
W
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, OUT! Australia get their fourth wicket. They were searching for this. Tossed up on off, Rahmat drives it uppishly towards covers but does not bother to keep it down. It goes towards Steve Smith who dives with both hands to his left and takes a stunner of a catch.
19.1
0
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Flighted delivery on middle, Shah comes down the track and plays it to mid on.
19
over
19 | 2 Runs |
HH: 75/3
18.6
0
Marcus Stoinis to Mohammad Nabi, Good length delivery on off, Nabi defends it off the back foot. Just 2 runs from the over.
18.5
0
Marcus Stoinis to Mohammad Nabi, Length delivery on leg, Nabi nudges it to the leg side.
18.4
0
Marcus Stoinis to Mohammad Nabi, On a good length on middle, Nabi defends it off the back foot.
18.3
1
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, Length delivery on leg, Shah flicks it towards fine leg for a run.
18.2
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Shah looks to chase this one but misses it due to the outswinger on this one.
18.1
1
Marcus Stoinis to Mohammad Nabi, On a length on middle, Nabi flicks it towards square leg for a single.
Marcus Stoinis is back into the attack.
18
over
18 | 3 Runs |
HH: 73/3
17.6
0
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Full on off, Shah drives it straight back towards Zampa.
SCORE UPDATE - Meanwhile, in Cardiff, New Zealand have cantered to a 10-wicket win against Sri Lanka. After electing to chase, the Kiwis first dismissed the Lankans for a paltry 136 and then chased them down without losing a wicket, in just 16.1 overs. That is some statement from the 2015 World Cup finalists.
17.5
1
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted delivery on off, Nabi punches it to long off for a run.
17.4
1
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up on middle, Shah comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
17.3
0
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Floated delivery on off, Shah plays it to covers.
17.2
0
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up on off, Shah defends it out.
17.1
1
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted delivery on middle, Nabi looks to slog but plays it towards mid-wicket for a single.
17
over
17 | 6 Runs |
HH: 70/3
16.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, Full and outside off, Nabi dabs it towards third man for a run.
16.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, Outside off, Nabi offers no shot.
16.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, Length delivery on off, Shah drives it towards mid off where Warner dives to his right and does well to stop it. The batsmen still manage to take a single.
16.3
4
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Excellent shot. Full and outside off, Shah drives it towards covers where Khawaja dives to his left but it goes through him for a boundary.
16.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, Bowls a good length on leg, Shah again looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
16.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, Starc bowls it on a good length on leg, Shah looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
16
over
16 | 6 Runs |
HH: 64/3
15.6
0
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted delivery on off, Nabi plays it to covers.
15.5
1
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Floated delivery on off, Shah drives it through covers. The batsmen cross ends.
15.4
0
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Tossed up on off, Shah plays it to covers.
15.3
4
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Poor delivery from Adam Zampa. Bowls it short on middle, Shah pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
15.2
1
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Tossed up on middle, Nabi drives it to long off for a run.
15.1
0
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Flighted delivery on middle, Nabi plays it off the back foot towards the bowler.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs |
HH: 58/3
14.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, Down the leg side, Nabi looks to flick but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes towards short mid-wicket. There is a bit of a yes-yes and a no-no but eventually they go through. Nathan Coulter-Nile charges in from short mid-wicket and has an under-arm shy at the striker's end but misses. Hits the stump microphone instead. The batsman was in though.
14.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, Outside off, punched towards cover.
14.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, A bouncer now, Nabi ducks.
14.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, A yorker outside off, well dug out.
14.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, Outside off, left alone.
14.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Nabi, Full and around off, pushed towards mid off.
Australia going for the kill. Mitchell Starc comes back on. 3-0-10-1 so far.
14
over
14 | 6 Runs |
HH: 57/3
13.6
1
Adam Zampa to Mohammad Nabi, Outside off, pushed through point for a single. Terrific start from Zampa.
Mohammad Nabi comes in to bat now.
13.5
W
Adam Zampa to Hashmatullah Shahidi, OUT! Stumped! The man with the hair-band has struck. Tossed up beautifully outside off, it is another googly outside off, Shahidi comes down the track but is beaten. The ball moves away, goes past the outside edge and Carey does the rest. He has to adjust due to the extra bounce and is a second late but manages to take the bails off. Shahidi though, tries to drag his foot back but struggles. Then he tries to get his bat down in time but is late. The square leg umpire himself raises his finger.
13.4
1
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, A short ball, around leg stump, pulled through square leg for a single.
13.3
2
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, Excellent stop by Marcus Stoinis. Full and outside off, excellent flight, Rahmat leans and drives it through the covers. Stoinis sweeps the ball from cover in the deep, dives full length and parries it towards Pat Cummins who comes across from long off. Two runs taken to bring up the 50-run stand.
13.2
1
Adam Zampa to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Tossed up outside off, Shahidi pushes it through mid on for a run.
13.1
1
Adam Zampa to Rahmat Shah, A googly straightaway. Thrusted on middle, Rahmat looks to defend but the ball spins in, takes the inside edge, hits the pads and goes through the vacant leg slip region. A single taken.
Spin time. Adam Zampa to bowl his leggies.
13
over
13 | 2 Runs |
HH: 51/2
12.6
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
12.5
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Walks a long way across his stumps and looks to flick a ball which is down the leg side but misses. Shahidi wants a wide call but umpire Illingworth points out that he moved a long way across, hence it is not an illegal ball.
12.4
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Outside off, on a length, HS looks to drive but misses.
12.3
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and down the leg side, Shahidi misses his flick and is hit on the pads. The ball rolls behind and Hashmatullah wants the single but is sent back.
12.2
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Outside off, punched towards cover.
12.1
2
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and outside off, Shahidi drives it through the covers and the ball races away but Adam Zampa covers good ground to his left and makes a decent stop. Two runs taken.
12
over
12 | 4 Runs |
HH: 49/2
11.6
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
11.6
1
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, WIDE. Second bouncer in the over. Australia seem to be getting carried away with the short stuff. Outside off, left alone.
11.5
1
Marcus Stoinis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and outside off, this is crashed through the covers but there is insurance in the deep. Just a single.
11.5
1
Marcus Stoinis to Hashmatullah Shahidi, WIDE. A bouncer, on middle, Shahidi initially ducks, then looks to play the upper cut but misses.
11.4
1
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.
11.3
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, Fuller and around off, pushed towards mid on.
11.2
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, Outside off, on a length, Rahmat pushes but misses.
11.1
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
11
over
11 | 8 Runs |
HH: 45/2
10.6
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and outside off, HS looks to drive but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
10.5
4
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Off the top edge! Second boundary in the over. A short ball, around middle and off, Shahidi looks to pull but gets a top edge due to the extra bounce. It flies over the keeper to the third man fence.
10.4
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
10.3
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Down the leg side, Hashmatullah misses his flick.
10.2
4
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Bad bounce for Marcus Stoinis and it costs his side a boundary. Outside off, Shahidi punches this through the covers where Marcus gets across and slides but suddenly the ball bounces extra, shoots through and just evades his face.
10.1
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, A bouncer to test the batsman, Shahidi ducks.
POWERPLAY 2 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.
10
over
10 | 4 Runs |
HH: 37/2
9.6
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, Stoinis bowls a bouncer, Shah looks to pull but misses it. Good short ball from Marcus. 37 runs have come from Powerplay 1.
9.5
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, Length delivery on off, Shah blocks it off the front foot.
9.4
4
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Nice shot. Short delivery on middle, Shah pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
9.3
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, Good length delivery outside off, Shah offers no shot.
9.2
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, On a good length on middle, Shah defends it out.
9.1
0
Marcus Stoinis to Rahmat Shah, Full on middle, Shah drives it to mid on.
Marcus Stoinis comes on to bowl now.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs |
HH: 33/2
8.6
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a good length again on off, Shahidi defends it off the back foot to mid off. Excellent over by Nathan Coulter-Nile. Just one run from the over.
8.5
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length delivery on off, Shahidi defends it off the back foot.
8.4
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, Length delivery on middle, Shah flicks it towards square leg for a run.
8.3
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, BEATEN! Beauty of a delivery. Good length delivery outside off, Shah looks to defend but misses it due to the away movement on this one. This is tight bowling from Nathan Coulter-Nile.
8.2
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, BEATEN AGAIN! On a good length and outside off, Shah looks to guide but misses it as it rises off the deck.
8.1
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Shah looks to chase this one but gets beaten on this one.
8
over
8 | 2 Runs |
HH: 32/2
7.6
0
Pat Cummins to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Length delivery on off, Shahidi plays it to off side.
7.5
0
Pat Cummins to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Bowls a bouncer on leg, Shahidi does well to duck under it.
7.4
0
Pat Cummins to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full on middle, the left-hander plays it back towards the bowler.
7.3
0
Pat Cummins to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Length delivery outside off, Shahidi plays it to point.
7.3
1
Pat Cummins to Hashmatullah Shahidi, WIDE! Bowls a short delivery down leg, Shahidi lets it go.
7.2
1
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, On a length on off, Shah drives it towards mid off for a single.
7.1
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Length delivery outside off, Shah plays it to covers.
7
over
7 | 7 Runs |
HH: 30/2
6.6
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length delivery on off, Shahidi plays it to covers.
6.5
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full and outside off, Shahidi plays it to covers.
6.4
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, Length delivery on off, Shah plays it towards point where Maxwell misfields and concedes an easy single.
6.4
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, WIDE! Bowls it wide outside off, Shah shoulders his arms to this one.
6.3
4
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Terrific shot from Rahmat Shah. Full on middle, Shah flicks it beautifully through mid-wicket for a boundary.
6.2
0
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Rahmat Shah, On a good length and outside off, Shah offers no shot to this one.
6.1
1
Nathan Coulter-Nile to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Coulter-Nile bowls it on a length on leg, Shahidi looks to nudge but gets it off his pads. It goes towards Carey. The batsmen take a single.
First bowling change for Australia. Nathan Coulter-Nile comes on to bowl, replacing Mitchell Starc.
6
over
6 | 4 Runs |
HH: 23/2
5.6
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Another bouncer follows now. Rahmat sways out of the way of the ball and lets it go.
5.5
4
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Well played. Rahmat Shah faces fire with fire. A bouncer on middle, Shah takes the ball on. He pulls this ball through the line and gets the ball to go over the square leg fielder. It finds its way to the fence.
5.4
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Away swinging ball on a good length outside off, Rahmat pushes the ball to cover from the crease.
5.3
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Short of a length on middle again, turned with soft hands towards square leg. The ball goes straight to the fielder again.
5.2
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Rahmat defends this back of a length ball on middle down the surface on the back foot.
5.1
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Bowled on a length on middle, flicked towards mid-wicket by the batsman on the front foot. It went slightly uppishly but luckily for Rahmat, the ball lands well before the fielder there.
5
over
5 | 2 Runs |
HH: 19/2
4.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, On a length and outside off, Shah looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man for a run. Fine over from Mitchell Starc. Just 2 runs have come from the over.
4.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, Good length delivery on off, Shah defends it out.
4.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, Appeal for caught behind! Not Out! Length delivery on leg, Shah looks to flick but it goes off the thigh pad towards Carey. The keeper appeals and the umpire shakes his head. Ultra Edge shows a flat line and it has come of the thigh pad.
4.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, Back of a length on leg, Shah nudges it to square leg.
4.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full on leg, Shahidi flicks it towards fine leg for a single.
4.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Play and a miss! On a good length and outside off, Shahidi looks to drive but misses it due to the away movement on this one.
4
over
4 | 6 Runs |
HH: 17/2
3.6
4
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, FOUR! Lucky! Afghanistan and Rahmat Shah would not mind though. A length ball outside off, lands on a grass patch maybe and cuts in suddenly. Rahmat looks to push this away through covers but the ball goes off the inside edge and fine down on the leg side for a boundary. Cummins too bowling well here.
3.5
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Back of a length outside off, pushed off the back foot towards point.
Shah removes his glove and takes a moment to compose himself. Should be fine to continue though...
3.4
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Ouch! That must have hurt. A bouncer on middle, Rahmat looks to fend it off uncomfortably. The ball pings off the glove and falls back on the surface. Luckily does not lob too high. Rahmat seems to be in a little pain there.
3.3
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Defended with soft hands towards point again by RS.
3.2
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Slight misfield from Maxwell but no runs conceded. A length ball outside off, Shah pushes it off the back foot towards point where Glenn looks to stop the ball but was not keeping his eyes on the ball. It goes off the ankle and towards the slip region. The batsmen decide not to run.
3.1
2
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Good length ball on middle, Shah tucks this away through square leg. A couple of runs taken, that is good running.
3
over
3 | 5 Runs |
HH: 11/2
2.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length on middle, defended watchfully back on the surface this time by Shahidi. Another good over from Mitch.
2.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Jaffa! Slightly pulls the length back of a good length and makes the ball move away from the left-hander this time. Shahidi looks to keep it out staying tall but the ball moves away to whiz past the outside edge.
2.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, WIDE! Bouncer but the radar goes wrong. Bowled down the leg side, wided.
2.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fuller length ball on off, driven off the inside half towards mid on by the southpaw.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Edge but does not carry! A length ball on off, Shahidi looks to defend staying in the crease but the ball takes the outside edge. It goes on a bounce to the left of second slip. This is really good bowling.
2.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Bouncer! Typical fast-bowler's response after being hit for a boundary. Bowled on middle, Shahidi ducks under it and lets it go.
2.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Solid shot. Used the pace on the ball there and got it through the massive gap between mid off and point. A really full ball on middle, punch-driven through the off side using the pace. The ball races away from Warner who tries to give chase there.
2
over
2 | 3 Runs |
HH: 6/2
1.6
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Well bowled by Cummins. Good length delivery on off, Shah defends it out. 3 runs and a wicket from the over. Excellent over by Pat Cummins.
1.5
0
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, On a good length on off, Shah defends it off the back foot.
1.4
1
Pat Cummins to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Length delivery on off, Shahidi plays it towards point for a run and gets off the mark.
1.3
0
Pat Cummins to Hashmatullah Shahidi, BEATEN! Cummins bowls it on a good length and outside off, Shahidi looks to drive but misses it due to the away swing on this one.
Hashamtullah Shahidi walks in at number 4, replacing Zazai.
1.2
W
Pat Cummins to Hazrat Zazai, OUT! Caught behind! The second one departs. Zazai follows his opening partner back home. An away-swinger bowled outside off, goes away from the left-hander. Hazrat looks to drive this away from the body but gets a nick on it. Carey takes a simple catch and that means it will be the second wicket in the second over of the game. The class of their pacers is showing here!
1.1
1
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, Not much use of the Free Hit! In fact, it is a wicket but it will not be out as it was a Free Hit. A bouncer on middle, Rahmat looks to pull this away but just can get it high on the bat and lobs it towards mid-wicket. The fielder takes the catch too and then throws it back calmly to the bowler's end. Single taken meanwhile.
FREE HIT TIME!
1.1
1
Pat Cummins to Rahmat Shah, NO BALL! Cummins has overstepped here. A length ball, swinging away from the right-hander. Left alone by Shah. The umpire spots the leg going over the line and hence gives a no ball.
Pat Cummins to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 3 Runs |
HH: 3/1
0.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Hazrat Zazai, Bowled really full, almost a low full toss. It was down the leg side but it takes the pad of the batsman on its way through. Hence not wided. Excellent first over from Starc.
0.5
3
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, The 150 kph barrier is broken on the fifth ball! On a length on middle and Shah does really well to flick this inswinger away through mid-wicket. Aaron Finch gives chase and keeps the ball just inside. Saves a run for his team.
0.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Rahmat Shah, 146 clicks now and on a length outside off, Rahmat Shah defends on the front foot towards point.
Rahmat Shah is the new batsman in.
0.3
W
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Shahzad, OUT! Ripper and the first one is gone for Afghanistan! The World Cup 2015's bowler of the tournament begins this World Cup with a bang! Mohammad Shahzad can do nothing about that ball, not many batsmen could. A full ball on middle, lands on a tuft of grass. The ball slightly swings in and when it moves like that on the pace it was bowled at, 143 kph, it is really going to be difficult for a new batsman. Shahzad is late to bring his bat down and by the time it does, the stumps are rattled. The umpires check for the no ball and Starc was really close to over-stepping there but luckily has not. MS has to depart. Perfect start for Australia!
0.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Shahzad, On a length this time outside off, Shahzad seemed in two minds there. He wanted to leave that ball but then was too late to do so. The ball goes off the willow towards point, luckily along the ground!
0.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Mohammad Shahzad, Excellent ball from Starc! A really full ball, almost yorker length. Inswinging slightly, Shahzad comes ahead and then digs the ball out.
The national anthems are over! Time for the game to begin. The Aussie fielders take their positions and as expected, the brand new white ball is in the hands of Mitchell Starc! For Afghanistan, the openers will be Mohammad Shahzad and Hazrat Zazai. Should be a cracking contest early on between these both attack-minded batsmen and bowler. Let's play!
The two teams' flags are being brought out on the field. They are followed by the match officials and the players of both sides who are lining up for their national anthems! It will be the Australian one first, followed by the Afghan national anthem.
Australia XI - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.
Afghanistan XI - Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Hazrat Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib (C), Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hamid Hassan.
PITCH REPORT - Melanie Jones is the pitch analyst and says that there is a slope down one end which will help the ball travel fast. She also informs that all she can say about the wicket is that it is pretty green! Wasim Akram at the other end, feels that on seeing this surface, bowlers will be excited and that this is a new, fresh pitch which has not been used till now by the county side. Feels that the wicket is definitely one where the team winning the toss would love to BOWL FIRST!
Australia skipper, Aaron Finch informs that he would have batted first as well as he also feels that it looks a good wicket and they would have loved to put a score on the board. He though reckons that not much bounce will be there as in the warm-ups here as it does not look as hard on the top as it was in those games. Finch hopes the seamers get some movement early on. On the team, Aaron informs that Shaun Marsh misses out and Usman Khawaja is playing because of the latter's incredible form in the last year or so. Signs off by saying that the other 3 to miss out are Nathan Lyon, Jason Behrendorff and Kane Richardson.
Afghanistan skipper, Gulbadin Naib says it is quite a good wicket and looks flat. He informs that there are 3 spinners in his side and hence he wants to bat first and put a good total on the board. States that the confidence is high after beating a champion side (Pakistan in the warm-ups) and that the morale is high and they will be trying to start well in the first 10-15 overs. When asked the reason for 3 spinners, the Afghan skipper mentions that their strength is their spinners as they are pretty experienced.
TOSS - Gulbadin Naib gives the coin a flip. Aaron Finch calls HEADS but the coin comes down as TAILS! Afghanistan have won the toss and elected to BAT FIRST!!!
Time for game number 4 of the World Cup from Bristol. The five-time world champions, Australia, are gearing up for their first game of the tournament against second-time participants, Afghanistan. On paper and basis of form, this contest should be David versus Goliath but then, cricket is not played on paper. The Asians have absolutely no pressure of expectations and their main outlook would be to enjoy themselves and perform to the best of their capacity. That said, they are no pushovers. For the team from the island continent, good news is that David Warner has been passed fit and it will be a massive boost at the top of the order. This game could well be decided by how the Afghans face the pace of the Kangaroos and how the Aussies play the spin of Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb! The toss is not too far away, stay tuned...
Afghanistan
Mohammad Shahzad
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Hazrat Zazai
Bat/Bow
Rahmat Shah
Bat/Bow
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Bat/Bow
Najibullah Zadran
Bat/Bow
Mohammad Nabi
Bat/Bow
Gulbadin Naib
CAP/Bat/Bow
Rashid Khan
Bat/Bow
Dawlat Zadran
Bat/Bow
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Bat/Bow
Hamid Hassan
Bat/Bow
Australia
Aaron Finch
CAP/Bat/Bow
David Warner
Bat/Bow
Usman Khawaja
Bat/Bow
Steve Smith
Bat/Bow
Glenn Maxwell
Bat/Bow
Marcus Stoinis
Bat/Bow
Alex Carey
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Bat/Bow
Pat Cummins
Bat/Bow
Mitchell Starc
Bat/Bow
Adam Zampa
Bat/Bow