Cricket World Cup: Warner, Smith endure boos and jeers to help Australia win

SUMMARY

Defending champions Australia started their campaign with a comfortable seven-wicket win over Afghanistan in their World Cup opener at Bristol’s County Ground. Warner top-scored with an unbeaten 89 while Smith made 18 as Australia easily chased down a modest target after Afghanistan, who won the toss and elected to bat, were bowled out for 207.

By APJun 2, 2019 12:31:41 PM IST (Updated)

Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates taking the wicket of Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad during the Cricket World Cup match between Afghanistan and Australia at Bristol County Ground in Bristol, England. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Afghanistan's Hashmatullah Shahidi ducks a bouncer off the bowling of Australia's Mitchell Starc during the Cricket World Cup match between Afghanistan and Australia. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Australia's Adam Zampa reacts after being hit for two sixes in a row by Afghanistan's Najibullah Zadran. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Afghan fans celebrate a six from Afghanistan's Najibullah Zadran. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Afghanistan's Najibullah Zadran celebrates reaching 50 runs during the Cricket World Cup match between Afghanistan and Australia. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Australia's David Warner celebrates reaching 50 runs next to Australia's Usman Khawaja. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Australia's David Warner, left, pats Australia's Steve Smith on the back as Smith comes in to start their first batting over together during the Cricket World Cup match. Steve Smith and David Warner were back in the Australia lineup for their first official one-day internationals since returning from 12-month bans for their part in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Australia's Steve Smith, left, and Australia's David Warner chat after their first batting over together during the Cricket World Cup match between Afghanistan and Australia. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)