World Cup 2023: Australia qualifies for semifinals after stunning win over Afghanistan

Australia chased down the target of 292 with 19 balls to spare, courtesy a stunning innings of 201 not out from Glenn Maxwell.

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell in action during the World Cup clash against Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Australia became the third team after India and South Africa to qualify for the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup with a three-wicket win over Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Afghanistan put up a total of 291 for 5 with Ibrahim Zadran (129 not out) scoring the nation’s first-ever ODI World Cup century.

READ | Australia vs Afghanistan Highlights, ICC World Cup 2023: Injured Maxwell smashes 200 as Australia wins by three wickets to qualify for semifinals

However, from 91 for 7, a cramping Glenn Maxwell (201 not out) and Australian skipper Pat Cummins (12 not out) put up an unbeaten eighth-wicket partnership of 202 runs to take the side over the line with 19 balls remaining.

Australia took its tally to 12 points with six wins in eight games. It is third on the points table, trailing South Africa only due to inferior net run rate. India is at the top of the standings with eight wins in as many matches.

Australia faces Bangladesh in its final league-stage match in Pune on Saturday.

Afghanistan is tied with New Zealand and Pakistan on eight points after eight games but behind on net run rate. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s side faces South Africa in a must-win final league-stage match in Ahmedabad on Friday to have any chance of qualifying for the semifinals.