Afghanistan have been a whisker away from boosting their Cricket World Cup semi-finals hopes, however Australia’s Glenn Maxwell received the sport single-handedly for Australia. Chasing a goal of 292, Australia have been 91/7 at one stage. They have been so shut, but as far as Maxwell hit an unbeaten 201 to drag off one of the unbelievable run-chases within the historical past of the match. Maxwell stitiched an unbeaten 202-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins, who scored simply 12 runs off 68 balls throughout the epic stand.
Riddled by extreme cramps, Maxwell was barely capable of stroll as he limped between the wickets, scoring 144 of his 201 runs with the assistance of 21 fours and 10 sixes.
Maxwell mentioned his complete physique was in ache and that he nearly retired whereas batting on 147 and with 55 runs nonetheless wanted to win. Nonetheless, he stood there proper until the tip and took Australia to the semi-final of the match.
For Australia, this was their sixth win on the trot, having misplaced the primary two.
Alternatively, Afghanistan’s three-match profitable streak got here to an finish, leaving them with a complete lot to do of their remaining group sport in opposition to South Africa.
How can Afghanistan qualify for the semi-finals?
With two different groups — New Zealand and Pakistan — nonetheless in rivalry for the ultimate semi-finals slot, a win over the already-qualified Proteas might not be sufficient to take them to the following spherical.
Pakistan and Afghanistan all have eight factors so removed from as many video games, however New Zealand are forward, each on factors and internet run-rate.
Given their inferior run-rate to Pakistan and Afghanistan must report gigantic wins so as to qualify for semi-finals.
Notably, Pakistan face England on Saturday, November 11 whereas Afghanistan tackle South Africa on Friday. Afghanistan’s NRR sits at -0.338 whereas New Zealand’s is at +0.743. Afghanistan do not simply must beat South Africa of their subsequent match but in addition take their NRR over the Kiwis, which appears to be like all however not possible.
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