Rashid Khan emerged as the lone Afghan
bowler capable of withstanding Glenn Maxwell's fierce onslaught. Despite
Afghanistan's decision to field four spinners in the match, it was Naveen and
Omarzai who wreaked havoc on Australia's chase. They executed Test-match
lengths and lines and managed to swing the new ball effectively under the
floodlights. Naveen's skillful outswinger led to Travis Head's dismissal, while
an inswinger trapped Mitchell Marsh lbw. Naveen had a chance to dismiss David
Warner for just 4 runs, but a challenging chance at gully was dropped by Rahmat
Shah. Warner managed to add 14 more runs before Omarzai sent his off stump
flying with an inswinger.
Omarzai, a young talent at only 23 years
old and playing his 20th ODI, showcased his prowess in orchestrating Warner's
dismissal. After delivering a maiden over to Warner, he went fuller and
successfully breached Warner's defenses. Demonstrating his ability to perform
at the international level, Omarzai's next delivery was an outswinger, which led
to Josh Inglis edging the ball to the first slip. Although he couldn't secure a
hat-trick as Maxwell denied him with the following delivery.
Despite their previous success in chasing
down targets, Afghanistan chose a different approach on Tuesday. Hashmatullah
Shahidi resisted the temptation to chase and instead had faith in his batsmen
to set a respectable total on a somewhat unusual Wankhede track, which was
drier than anticipated. Ibrahim was the standout performer, batting throughout
the innings on a scorching afternoon to remain unbeaten on 129 from 143 balls.
One of the highlights of his innings was a deftly played ramp shot for four off
Cummins in the 14th over. During the slog overs, Ibrahim and Rashid, who
contributed an unbeaten 35 from 18 balls, took on the Australian bowlers
aggressively. The duo put together a rapid 58-run partnership off just 27
balls, propelling Afghanistan to a total of 291. However, their joy turned into
disbelief and helplessness as the night descended.
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