Afghanistan faces Australia in a crucial World Cup match, with a semi-final spot at stake. Despite Glenn Maxwell’s past dominance, Afghanistan’s players emphasize a collective strategy against the entire Australian team. Confidence from their previous T20 World Cup win over Australia bolsters their morale, as they aim for a second consecutive ICC tournament semi-final appearance. Promising individual performances, particularly from Ibrahim Zadran, enhance their prospects as they prepare for a challenging encounter.
Following their recent victory over England, Afghanistan is preparing to face Australia, where a spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup is at stake. The last encounter between Afghanistan and Australia saw Glenn Maxwell shine with an extraordinary double century, leading to a dramatic Australian win from a precarious position of 91 for 7 while chasing 292 runs. However, Afghanistan’s players emphasize that their preparation involves a comprehensive strategy against the entire Australian team, rather than focusing solely on Maxwell.
Afghanistan’s confidence stems from their T20 World Cup triumph over Australia last year, where they won by 21 runs, dismissing Maxwell, who contributed 59 runs, as a pivotal moment in the match. Hashmatullah Shahidi remarked, “You think we will come only to play with Maxwell? We have planning for all Australian team. After that, we beat them in [the] T20 World Cup.”
Looking ahead to the match, Shahidi noted that the team will aim to maintain a positive approach without succumbing to pressure regarding potential semi-final qualification. He stated, “We will try to play positive game – just like we defeated England today, we hope to beat Australia as well.”
Having recently achieved a notable victory against England, where Ibrahim Zadran scored an impressive 177, Afghanistan is equipped with players who have performed well against Australia in the past. Shahidi expressed joy over Zadran’s recent form, appreciating his hard work and talent. The team boasts promising spinners who can perform well with the right support from the pitch, encouraging confidence as they gear up for the upcoming match.
Afghanistan’s recent performance highlights their potential as they enter the crucial match in Lahore. With strong contributions from players and a resilient team spirit, they aim for a second consecutive semi-final appearance in an ICC tournament. The match against Australia promises to be highly competitive, reflecting both teams’ aspirations to succeed in this prestigious event.
In summary, Afghanistan, riding high on their victory against England, is set to challenge Australia in a decisive World Cup match, with a semi-final position on the line. The team exhibits confidence from past successes against Australia and focuses on a comprehensive strategy that encompasses all players rather than isolating one star. With promising individual performances and a commitment to teamwork, Afghanistan seeks to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament, further highlighting their growth as a competitive force in international cricket.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
