In a World Cup 2023 match that saw the Australian batters unleash their fury upon the Pakistani bowling unit, Shaheen Shah Afridi emerged as the lone standout performer. Australia amassed a formidable total of 367 for 9 in their 50 overs at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with Afridi’s exceptional bowling shining through the gloom.
An Uphill Battle for Pakistan
Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, won the toss and decided to field, hoping to gain an advantage on the batting-friendly pitch. However, it was an uphill battle from the start, as the bowlers and fielders struggled to support their captain’s decision.
The day took a decisive turn when leg-spinner Usama Mir dropped a crucial chance, giving David Warner an extra life when he was on just 10 runs. This incident led to visible frustration from Shaheen Afridi, who was the bowler in action.
The frustrations of Pakistan’s bowlers intensified as David Warner, alongside birthday boy Mitchell Marsh, capitalized on the opportunity. The duo showcased their batting prowess by forming a record-breaking opening partnership, amassing a staggering 259 runs in just 199 balls. Warner and Marsh launched a barrage of sixes and boundaries, totaling 18 sixes and 24 boundaries, leaving the Pakistan bowlers bewildered.
Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Record Breaking Performance
On a challenging day for Pakistan’s bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi stood out as the bright spot. Amidst a high-scoring onslaught, Afridi displayed remarkable skills by picking up 5 wickets and conceding only 54 runs in his 10-over spell. This exceptional performance is even more remarkable as he stood out among bowlers who struggled, with Haris Rauf conceding at over 10 runs an over and Hasan Ali at 7.
Shaheen Shah Afridi scripted several records during the match. He became the first pacer from Pakistan to claim more than one 5-wicket haul in a World Cup fixture. His previous achievement was 6 for 35 against Bangladesh at Lord’s in 2019. Afridi also etched his name in history by becoming the first Pakistani bowler to secure a wicket in 20 consecutive games.
Breaking the Opening Stand
Afridi’s heroics included breaking the monumental opening stand, dismissing the dangerous Mitchell Marsh for 129 and swiftly removing Glenn Maxwell with the very next delivery. He also got the better of Marcus Stoinis and disrupted Australia’s tail-enders. Afridi even found form after a challenging start to the World Cup, giving Pakistan hope in an otherwise formidable Australian total of 367.
Australia’s monumental score was fueled by David Warner’s sensational 163 and Mitchell Marsh’s impressive 121, with the match serving as a showcase of their batting prowess.
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