Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 54 from 32 deliveries helped Australia reach 168/8 in their Super 12 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Friday in Adelaide.
Afghanistan’s captain, Mohammad Nabi, won the toss and chose to bat first. The hosts didn’t get off to the best start possible, losing both openers Cameron Green and David Warner with only 48 runs on the board. Green batted first in the absence of normal skipper Aaron Finch, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Steve Smith, who took Tim David’s position in this match, also left early, leaving Australia at 52/3.
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Mitchell Marsh took up the innings following that, scoring 45 off 30 deliveries. Marcus Stoinis also contributed 25 runs from 21 deliveries. But it was Maxwell’s undefeated 54 from 32 deliveries that made the difference. Australia began losing wickets at regular intervals, but Maxwell hung in there and helped them reach 168/8.
Afghanistan has already been eliminated from contention for the semifinals, but Australia must not only win but also win by a large margin to remain in contention for the semi-finals.