A little more than a decade ago Afghanistan had just won the World Cricket League Division Five in the British Isles. Now, they made it to their second World Cup in a row, not as a “minnow” but as a side that has the potential to beat any other side in the World.

However, Australia skipper Aaron Finch and his fellow opener David Warner spoiled Afghanistan’s World Cup opener and went past Afghanistan’s total of 207 in just under 35 overs.

Australia somehow always finds a way to put their best foot forward in a World Cup Tournament. Their style of victory rather than the victory itself reaffirms that they cannot be written off as a contender for the World Cup title.

Here are a few turning points of the match:

1. Afghanistan’s horror start

After having elected to bat first, Afghanistan got off to a horror start. In the third ball of the contest, Starc who was also making his comeback in International arena got the better of the Afghan star Mohammad Shahzad with an almost unplayable in-swinger which disturbed the bails of the Afghanistan opener.

Australia’s men were charged up and hardly put a foot wrong henceforth.

2. A comeback of sorts from the Afghanistan middle order

After being 5 wickets down for just 77 runs on the board, Afghanistan looked down and out and were struggling to reach a respectable total.

However, Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib along with Najibullah Zadran stitched together a much-needed partnership to rescue Afghanistan from that situation. The duo put together a total of 83 runs. While Zadran contributed 50 off 44 balls, Gulbadin Naib added 30 off 31 balls in the partnership.

Just when the Afghans needed to put their foot on the accelerator, the duo departed in quick succession.

3. Rashid Khan’s heroics with the bat

When everyone was eagerly waiting for Rashid Khan to weave his magic with the ball, Rashid Khan’s quick fire cameo with the bat ensured Afghanistan cross the 200-run mark and have at least some kind of a total to defend.

Rashid Khan played just 11 deliveries but scored 27 valuable runs for his side before falling prey to the leg spinner Adam Zampa.

However, Khan wasn’t that effective with the ball. In his 8-over spell, Khan’s economy was 6.5 runs an over and with the wicket of Usman Khawaja to his credit.

4. Warner’s quest for redemption continues

There was boos surrounding David Warner as he walked out to bat in the middle in his first International Game post the Sandpaper Gate incident.  But unperturbed, Warner went about doing his job. Took his time initially, even edged one that landed just out of reach of the extended hand of the slip fielder, but when Warner got the hang of the pitch, there was no stopping him.

A match winning 89 not out and an opening stand of 96 along with Aaron Finch (66 of 49 balls) ensured that Australia cruise past Afghanistan with over 15 overs to spare.

Amidst the boos, Warner held his bat and head high as his quest for redemption continued.