World Cup 2023: Afghanistan's dazzling run captivates cricket

Afghanistan's dream run in the Cricket World Cup includes victories against former champions England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Tuesday's defeat to Australia may have dented their semi-final hopes, but the stunning campaign of players from a war-weary nation whose government nobody recognises has captured the cricketing world's attention and brought joy to fans.

At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday, Afghanistan were poised to create another miracle.

The youthful team - 11 of their 15 players are under the age of 25 - playing only their third ODI World Cup, had Australia on the ropes. They had reduced the five-time world champions, chasing a target of 292, to a precarious 91-7.

But then the miracle changed hands. Braving cramps, Australia's swashbuckling batter Glenn Maxwell took his team to a stunning win with an unbeaten double hundred, a feat of fearless hitting and human endurance.