Afghanistan’s cricket team is strategically prepared to face Australia in a crucial Champions Trophy match, as emphasized by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Following a thrilling victory over England, Afghanistan aims to secure a semifinal spot. Shahidi noted the team’s focus is not solely on Glenn Maxwell, despite his notable past performances. Instead, they have devised a comprehensive plan for the entire Australian squad. The Afghan team’s recent successes have triggered widespread celebrations in Kabul, showcasing the support from fans. Shahidi highlighted the advantage of their spinners on conducive pitches, expressing confidence in their performance moving forward.
The Afghanistan team has devised strategies for the entire Australian squad and is not solely concentrating on their nemesis, Glenn Maxwell, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi stated before their crucial Champions Trophy match. After eliminating England from the tournament with a thrilling eight-run victory on Wednesday, Afghanistan aims to overcome Australia at the same venue on Friday to secure a semifinal spot. “Do you think we are here just to focus on Maxwell? It won’t be like that. We have prepared for the entire Australian team, and while I acknowledge that he (Maxwell) performed exceptionally well in the 2023 World Cup, that’s now part of history,” Shahidi mentioned at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
In a chase of 292, Australia faced imminent defeat after losing seven wickets with fewer than 100 runs on the board. However, Maxwell executed one of the most remarkable innings in one-day cricket, leading his team to an astonishing comeback victory, and shortly after, the Aussies won a record-extending sixth World Cup.
Nevertheless, the Afghans took their revenge for that painful loss by defeating Australia in the T20 World Cup a year later, even after Maxwell threatened to dominate the game once again.
“After that, we defeated them in the T20 World Cup, and we consider all opposition teams. We are not here to devise strategies for individual players. Our goal is to come prepared, and it’s not just about Maxwell – we are playing against Australia,” Shahidi remarked.
Wednesday’s victory marked their second win in ODIs against England following their stunning triumph in the 2023 World Cup in India.
The win against England ignited wild celebrations in the Afghan capital, Kabul, where fireworks illuminated the skies and streets filled with ecstatic fans.
If Afghanistan can surpass Australia, it would lead to their second consecutive entry into the semifinals of an ICC event within a year, following their impressive performance in the T20 World Cup in the Americas in 2024.
However, Shahidi is not putting much emphasis on the chances of making it to the semifinals.
“I believe it will be a good match for cricket, and our focus will be on keeping things straightforward and not stressing about the semifinal. We will aim to execute our basics well and approach the game with solid planning,” Shahidi explained.
“The Afghan people have always supported us, as you saw (against England) at the ground. Many of our Afghan supporters were there. Their support is unwavering, and they follow us wherever we play. They come to the stadiums.
“Whenever we have games like this, all of Afghanistan tunes in back home. Upon waking, we will analyze the opposing team and prepare thoroughly.” With outstanding spinners such as Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed available, Shahidi is pleased to see the Lahore pitch providing assistance to slower bowlers.
“In Karachi, the pitch had a different type of soil. It resembled Australian soil… Consequently, there was minimal assistance for spinners.
“However, today (against England), there was a bit of help. I can’t claim that we receive pitches like those in other countries, such as Dubai. But there was indeed some support, and I think the spinners bowled exceptionally well in tight areas,” he stated.
“In these conditions, our spinners are quite effective, and if they receive even slight assistance, I am confident they will perform well for the team,” Shahidi added.
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