Afghanistan prepares to face England in a crucial Champions Trophy match, advised by their captain of the confidence gained from their previous World Cup victory. Both teams aim to secure their first win for a chance at the semi-finals after an opening loss. Shahidi emphasizes the importance of their spin attack, while Buttler remains focused on his team’s strategy amidst external pressures regarding off-field matters.
In anticipation of their clash against England, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi highlighted that their historic victory against the defending champions in the 2023 World Cup invigorates their confidence. Both teams seek a win in Lahore to stay in contention for the semi-finals after suffering defeats in their opening matches. With Australia’s fixture against South Africa having been abandoned, the stakes have risen, making this match a critical encounter.
Afghanistan had previously stunned England by 69 runs in New Delhi during the World Cup, marking a significant milestone for their squad. Despite prior setbacks, Shahidi affirmed their preparedness to engage positively, stating, “We will take that confidence with us from what happened in the 2023 World Cup. But at the same time, tomorrow is a new day, and we will try our best to beat them again.”
England captain Jos Buttler acknowledged Afghanistan’s improvement, expressing respect for their performance and unique style, particularly their spin attack featuring standout players Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Despite regard for the opposition, Buttler emphasized their focus on executing their own game plan effectively.
Afghanistan commenced the Champions Trophy with a staggering loss to South Africa, where their bowling faltered against a formidable total of 315 for six, resulting in them being bowled out for just 208 runs. Shahidi anticipates a stronger performance and believes the spin bowlers will be crucial, especially with expectations of a supportive pitch for spinners.
Buttler, while valuing Afghanistan’s spin attack, reassured that the mix of his team’s spin and pace bowlers provides a favorable balance. Amidst calls for England to boycott the match due to the Taliban’s treatment of Afghan women, the England and Wales Cricket Board opted to proceed with the match schedule without appointing a bilateral series with Afghanistan.
Shahidi addressed concerns regarding off-field issues, focusing on the players’ responsibilities on the field, stating, “We are cricket players, we are sportsmen. What we control is what we do on the ground; we do not worry about what is happening off the ground. So our confidence is good.”
Both Afghanistan and England are poised for a high-stakes match that could determine their progression in the Champions Trophy. Afghanistan draws upon their successful World Cup encounter as motivation, while England aims to solidify their cricketing strategies. The match will not only test the teams on the field but also importantly highlight their resilience amidst external pressures.
Original Source: www.france24.com
