Hurting after their recent loss to New Zealand, co-hosts Australia establish their status as contenders with 275-run win over Afghanistan, thanks to Warner's 178
David Warner celebrates his century against Afghanistan yesterday
Perth: David Warner scored a 133-ball 178 as Australia posted a World Cup record total of 417/6 against minnows Afganistan at the WACA (Western Australian Cricket Association ground) here last afternoon.
David Warner celebrates his century against Afghanistan yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
Warner was ably assisted by Steven Smith (98-ball 95) while a quickfire 38-ball 88 by Glenn Maxwell took Australia to the tournament's third 400+ total.
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Afghanistan's chase thereafter hardly mattered because they were never really expected to get to the humungous total, especially against the speedy trio of Mitchell Johnson (4-22 off 7.3 overs), Mitchell Starc (2 for 18 off six) and Josh Hazlewood (2 for 25 off eight).
And right enough, the Afghans folded up for just 142 in 37.3 overs, contributing their share of a World Cup record too — 275 runs — in the margin of defeat column.
Team's best interest
Australian captain Michael Clarke demoted himself down the order keeping the World Cup record total in mind and eventually didn't end up coming out to bat.
"I wanted to bat but thought that it was in the best interest of the team. I kept my pads on — I was in next till about 11 or 12 overs to go. Then, I thought there was an opportunity to have a crack at the world record in World Cups so (I) made the decision (to bat lower down)," Clarke said at the post-match press conference.
It was a perfect show from one of the top contenders of this World Cup, but the hosts were still hurting after that recent one-wicket defeat against trans-Tasmanian rivals New Zealand.
"It's nice to turn our form around after New Zealand. Especially with the bat, our boys played very well to score 400-plus — our highest World Cup score ever, so that's very satisfying after the way we batted (15 all out) against New Zealand," he added.
For Afghanistan, meanwhile, it was a harsh lesson learnt. Coach Andy Moles said his pacers got carried away with the bounce of the wicket and ended up bowling too short too often.
"We're not the first group of bowlers to have come here and done that (bowled short). Many teams come to Perth and unfortunately fall into the trap of bowling shorter and shorter as they see the ball carrying through to the wicketkeeper at head height.
Bowlers fall short
"We started well, bowled in good areas, went past the edge of the bat and brought our fielders in front of the wicket into the game.
Unfortunately, when went on to bowl too short and then you take out your fielders in front of the wicket because it's going square of the wicket. So, it's a disappointment and we've got to learn from that," said Moles.
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