Afghanistan gave a good fight to Australia in their first World Cup game in this edition. After fellow Asian teams Sri Lanka, Pakistan faltering, many expected Afghanistan to not fare well against the best bowling attack in the world.
But the Afghan middle order were very calculative and ensured that there are no mishaps. They kept everything to basics and made sure they reach 200 mark at the end of their innings. Having batted first, Afghanistan lost both the openers for 0. But Rahmat Shah kept his composure, and countered Australia. He only dispatched bad balls and kept his temperament, focus going.
Although, they lost three quick wickets again, Gulbadain Naib, Najibullah Zadran managed an impressive 83 run partnership for 6th wicket. They recovered innings from 77/5 to 160/6. Once again, they lost wickets in a bunch. But Rashid Khan’s heroics at the end ensured that they finished with 207 on the board in 38.2 overs.
Asked to chase 208, Australian openers David Warner and Aaron Finch gave an excellent start. Skipper Finch went all guns blazing, while comeback cricketer David Warner played second fiddle to him.
The duo managed 96 run stand for the first wicket. Once Finch was dismissed, David Warner upped the ante and ensured that the run rate did not dip. Khawaja and Steven Smith perished quickly but David Warner guided the team to victory with an unbeaten 89.
The result meant Australia started off their campaign in the best way possible. There are good amount of positives for Afghanistan as well. However, they will look to play full quota of overs next time. And they should not lose clusters of wickets at once like they did today.
Twitter also quick to praise Afghanistan for their fighting spirit but they fell in love with David Warner’s batting after his 12-month return.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Afghanistan vs Australia game
Afghanistan has shown so much of fighting spirit against a team like Australia…kudos to them and best wishes for their CWC campaign! Rise and shine Afghanistan? #AFGvAUS
— Ankita Deshpande (@Ankita12Ankita) June 1, 2019
Asian teams in #CWC19
Pak 105 in 21.4 ovs v WI
SL 136 in 29.2 ovs v NZ
Afg 207 in 38.2 ovs v AusAfghanistan have outscored Pak & SL against a team that is considered to be World Cup favorites. #AusvAfg
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) June 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/SxxdSulehri/status/1134836961288626178
Afghanistan is up against the best bowling unit on display in #CWC19 thus far….and have scored more than the other two Asian teams. Pakistan 105. Sri Lanka 136. #AFGvAUS
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 1, 2019
Unlikely Afghanistan will upset Aus, but have already batted better, shown more grit and purpose than Pak, Lanka and even SA #ICCCricketWorldCup2019
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 1, 2019
This WC David Warner seems to be a different person
— Monkey Balls (@MonkeyyBalls) June 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/AbdulSamadSh24/status/1134892377334788096
David warner rises like a sun 89* (and with the Sun @SunRisers ). Keeping going warne, will be waiting for you next year IPL @davidwarner31
— CA Gopinath (@gopinath_dx22) June 1, 2019
Afghanistan were only 3 runs short of scoring double the amount of runs that Pakistan did in their opening match at the World Cup #CWC19 #PAKvWI #AFGvAUS
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/SaqibAliHameed1/status/1134893989528817665
.@davidwarner31’s evolution as a batsman is one of my cricket’s favourite stories. He endured most of the hate during the crisis. There were calls of move on. Many wrote his career obituaries or hoped for a permanent full stop on his international career.#AUSvAFG #cwc19
— Suvajit Mustafi (@RibsGully) June 1, 2019
Here he is a year later, swallowing his ego and exhibiting the mettle of a true champion. Do well, Davey! Good luck…#DavidWarner #AUSvAFG #cwc19
— Suvajit Mustafi (@RibsGully) June 1, 2019