Afghanistan's cricket team has taken the 2023 Cricket World Cup by storm with an outstanding performance against Australia.

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In a highly-anticipated match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Afghanistan's stunning batting display left Australia reeling at 49/4 in just 8.2 overs.

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The standout performer for Afghanistan was Ibrahim Zadran, who became the first Afghan cricketer to score a century in an ODI World Cup, finishing unbeaten on 129 runs from 143 deliveries.

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Alongside Zadran, Rahmat Shah's contribution of 30 runs and Rashid Khan's quickfire 35* helped Afghanistan post a competitive total of 291/5.

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Australia, who opted to field after winning the toss, faced early challenges as Afghanistan's opening pair, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Zadran, set the tone with a 38-run partnership.

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However, Josh Hazlewood's dismissal of Gurbaz for 21 and Glenn Maxwell's breakthrough in the form of Rahmat Shah's wicket disrupted Afghanistan's momentum.

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Key Australian bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa, further dented Afghanistan's middle order by removing Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi.

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Afghanistan's bowlers, led by Naveen-ul-Haq, made crucial early breakthroughs against Australia, with Naveen dismissing Travis Head and trapping Mitchell Marsh leg-before-wicket.

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With Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell at the crease, Australia's hopes hung in the balance, making the outcome of this thrilling contest a significant factor in the 2023 Cricket World Cup's semi-final race.

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