Australia and Afghanistan Triumph in Men’s ODI World Cup Warm-Up Matches; India vs. Netherlands Washed Out

In the final day of warm-up matches for the Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, Australia secured a thrilling victory over Pakistan. Additionally, Afghanistan emerged victorious in a rain-affected clash against Sri Lanka, while adverse weather conditions resulted in the washout of the scheduled India vs. Netherlands match in Thiruvananthapuram.

At Hyderabad, Australia posted a formidable total of 351/7, with Glenn Maxwell scoring 77 and Marnus Labuschagne contributing with both bat and ball. Despite Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s impressive 90, Pakistan fell short by 14 runs, finishing at 337 in 47.4 overs.

Australia made a strong start, with David Warner scoring 48 from 33 balls in an opening partnership of 83. Mitchell Marsh (38), Steve Smith (27), and Marnus Labuschagne (40) all made valuable contributions. Maxwell dominated the middle overs, scoring 77 from 71 deliveries before being dismissed by Shadab Khan. Josh Inglis (48) and Cameron Green (50*) added crucial runs in the latter part of the innings.

In response, Pakistan found themselves struggling at 82/4, but a partnership between Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed revived their chances. Babar scored a fluent 90 from 59 balls, while Iftikhar contributed 83. However, Labuschagne’s bowling, which yielded two crucial wickets, and a late strike by Josh Inglis ensured Australia’s victory.

Also Read: T20 World Cup: Highest partnerships in the tournament

In another match in Guwahati, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis played a brilliant century, but Afghanistan, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, secured a win in a rain-affected contest. Mendis scored a spectacular century, retiring after reaching 158. However, Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, with four wickets for 44 runs, helped dismiss Sri Lanka for 294.

Afghanistan faced a revised target of 257 from 42 overs due to rain interruptions. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah both scored centuries and retired, while Azmatullah Omarzai hit the winning runs with 23 balls remaining.

Unfortunately, rain disrupted the warm-up fixtures in Thiruvananthapuram, leading to the abandonment of the scheduled match between India and the Netherlands. Both teams will now focus on their World Cup openers, with India facing Australia on Sunday and the Netherlands taking on Pakistan on Friday.