In a thrilling start to the tournament, Australia showcased their cricketing prowess by defeating Pakistan by 14 runs in a high-octane encounter. Meanwhile, Afghanistan displayed their dominance by securing a victory against Sri Lanka.
Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, won the crucial toss and opted to bat first, a decision that would prove pivotal in the end. Their innings ignited with an explosive start from David Warner, who blazed his way to a scintillating 48 runs off just 33 balls. Marnus Labuschagne contributed a stylish 40 runs, while Glenn Maxwell’s fireworks lit up the innings with a blazing 77 off 57 deliveries. Cameron Green (50*) and Josh Inglis (48) also made significant contributions, allowing Australia to post an imposing total of 351/7 from their allotted 50 overs.
Pakistan commenced their chase with Fakhar Zaman (22) and Imam-ul-Haq (16) providing a solid foundation. However, consistent breakthroughs by the Australian bowlers, led by Cummins, kept the game finely balanced. Captain Babar Azam’s brilliance was evident as he accumulated a scintillating 90 runs before retiring. Despite his heroics, Pakistan found the required run rate climbing steadily. Iftikhar Ahmed’s valiant 83 and Mohammad Nawaz’s explosive 50 kept Pakistan’s hopes alive. Labuschagne, who had already impressed with the bat, turned out to be Australia’s key contributor with the ball as well. His crucial wickets, along with Maxwell’s handy off-spin, added pressure on the Pakistan batting order. Mitchell Marsh provided valuable support as Australia managed to peg back Pakistan and bowled them out in 47.4 overs.
In the other warm-up game, Afghanistan cruised to victory in a rain-affected match, thanks to a superb century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz (119) and a stylish 93 from Rahmat Shah. Sri Lanka posted a respectable total of 294 on the back of an excellent 158 from Kusal Mendis. However, Gurbaz and Rahmat put on a partnership of 212, quickly turning the game in Afghanistan’s favor.
Afghanistan’s victory target was reduced to 257 in 42 overs due to rain, and the pair went about their business in style, helping chase down the target with more than three overs remaining. Gurbaz was particularly impressive, smashing nine sixes during his entertaining innings, while Rahmat contributed three. Afghanistan warmed up for the tournament with an impressive victory.
Unfortunately, the third warm-up match scheduled for Tuesday between India and the Netherlands was abandoned without a delivery bowled due to rain, leaving cricket fans eagerly awaiting more action in the tournament.
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