MUMBAI, Nov 7, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Ibrahim Zadran became the first Afghanistan batsman to score a World Cup hundred when he reached three figures against Australia in a group match in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old opener faced 131 balls, including seven fours, for what was his fifth one-day international century in 27 games.

He got to the landmark with a dicey single off fast bowler Josh Hazlewood that turned into two after a throw at the stumps was off target.

When he completed his latest ODI hundred, Afghanistan were 216-4 off 44 overs after winning the toss against five-time World Cup champions Australia at the Wankhede Stadium.

Victory in this match will guaranteed Australia a place in the semi-finals.

But tournament surprise package Afghanistan remain in contention for a last-four place of their own, with a run of four wins from seven matches including defeats of reigning champions England, 1992 title-winners Pakistan and 1996 kings Sri Lanka.