NEW DELHI: Ibrahim Zadran became the first Afghanistan batter to score an ODI World Cup ton as the opener and an incredible Rashid Khan cameo helped their side to a solid 291 for five against Australia in Mumbai on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Zadran smashed an unbeaten 129 and carried his bat through while Rashid fired an incredible unbeaten 18-ball 35 late in the innings after Afghans opted to bat first at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Zadran and Rashid duo put up a dazzling 28-ball 58 stand for the sixth wicket lifting their side toa challenging total.
The Zadran's fifth hundred in the 50-overs format was studded with eight fours and three sixes as he played the anchor role to perfection.
Five-times champions Australia made a slow start to their campaign in the 50-overs showpiece event with defeats in their opening two games but a win over their South Asian rivals will cement their spot in the semi-finals.
Three consecutive victories have also put the Afghans in contention for a spot in the knockout stages and victories in their remaining two fixtures would guarantee them a semi-final place.
India and South Africa have already booked their spots in the semi-finals.
All-rounders Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell returned to the Australia side after missing the win over England. Steve Smith, who complained of suffering from a bout of vertigo before the match, was ruled out while Cameron Green was dropped.
Afghanistan also made one change to their side from the win over the Netherlands with seamer Naveen-ul-Haq replacing Fazalhaq Farooqi.
(With inputs from Reuters)
