Ibrahim Zadran made history by becoming the first Afghan batter to score a century in a World Cup match, as Afghanistan set a competitive total of 291/5 while opting to bat first against Australia at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Aged 21 years and 330 days, Zadran’s remarkable innings also made him the fourth-youngest centurion in World Cup history, and he anchored the team to their highest World Cup score.
Throughout the innings, Zadran established crucial partnerships, particularly with Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. However, it was Rashid Khan’s electrifying cameo that proved to be the most decisive contribution. Rashid Khan blazed an unbeaten 35 off just 18 deliveries, transforming what seemed like a modest total into a competitive score on a batting-friendly surface.
Afghanistan had been known for their success in chasing targets in this tournament, but on this muggy day in Mumbai, they chose a different approach by deciding to bat first. Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz started cautiously, adding 38 runs for the opening wicket before Josh Hazlewood’s short-ball strategy paid off, dismissing Gurbaz as he attempted a half-hearted pull shot, which was comfortably caught at deep square leg.
This marked the beginning of three half-century partnerships during the innings. Zadran and Rahmat Shah steadied the ship with an 83-run stand. Despite maintaining a run rate near five runs an over, they couldn’t accelerate as Rahmat Shah perished while attempting to take on Glenn Maxwell, getting caught at long off. Zadran, however, continued to hold the fort and forged another steady partnership with his captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed a 43-ball 26 to the total.
There were glimpses of brilliance in their partnership, with Zadran’s upper-cut boundary off a Pat Cummins short ball standing out. Azmatullah Omarzai injected some momentum with an 18-ball 22, highlighted by a six off his very first scoring shot. As Zadran reached his century with a slightly fortuitous single (which was turned into a double) off his 131st delivery, it became evident that the final push had to come from both ends.
Rashid Khan provided the necessary impetus. Although it seemed as though his aggressive approach might be curtailed when he was caught at deep cover, a third umpire review ruled in favor of the batter, overturning Marcus Stoinis’ catch.
Rashid took Glenn Maxwell for a 16-run over and added two more sixes in the final over, bowled by Mitchell Starc. Zadran contributed with a six off Starc and another powerful pull shot against Pat Cummins, helping Afghanistan amass 75 runs from the last six overs, propelling their score close to the 300-run mark. Now, it’s over to the bowlers to defend this challenging total.
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@Cricket Betting Tips
