Australia have set Afghanistan the highest ever World Cup total of 418 to reach following a century from David Warner in their Pool A World Cup clash in Perth.
Afghanistan, who won the toss and opted to field, started in positive fashion by dismissing Aaron Finch for just four runs in the second over.
However, the early blow did not halt Australia's attack as Warner took control by reaching a century with an inside edge into the leg-side off Samiullah Shenwari's delivery.
The batsman continued to dominate alongside Steven Smith as the pair reached a combined 270 runs before Warner was sent packing.
Shapoor Zadran found the breakthrough when Warner's shot flew high and fell into the hands of Mohammad Nabi, and the Australian walked back to the pavilion having hit 178 off 133 balls.
Despite taking out Warner, Afghanistan failed to swing the momentum in their direction as Smith reached a 50 and edged closer to his own century.
Glenn Maxwell also impressed with the bat, but he lost his partner Smith in the 42nd over when the 25-year-old was just five runs short of 100.
The wickets of Faulkner (7), who was bowled out by a swinging yorker from Hamid Hassan, Maxwell (88) and Mitchell Marsh (8) boosted Afghanistan, but it was too late for them to cause considerable damage as Australia finished the innings on 417-6.
Danielle Joynson
