Afghanistan faces Australia in a crucial World Cup match for a semi-final spot. Following a historic victory over England, the team aims to leverage previous successes against Australia. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi emphasizes the focus on team strategy rather than individual players, hoping to play positively and build on the recent win.
Following their recent triumph over England, Afghanistan is poised to face Australia with a semi-final berth at the 2023 World Cup at stake. The last encounter between the two nations in an ODI saw Glenn Maxwell deliver an extraordinary performance, scoring a double century that secured a breathtaking comeback for Australia in Mumbai. Despite this, the Afghan team remains focused on the bigger picture rather than concentrating solely on Maxwell.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s captain, expressed confidence in his team’s ability, stating, “You think we will come only to play with Maxwell? We have planning for all Australian team.” He emphasized the importance of their previous victory against Australia during the T20 World Cup, highlighting that their strategy involves considering the entire opposition and not just individual players.
As Afghanistan aims for a second consecutive ICC tournament semi-final, Shahidi conveyed that their approach is centered on a positive mindset. He remarked, “We will try to play positive game – just like we defeated England today, we hope to beat Australia as well.” The team is determined to focus on performing well without the burden of pressure regarding semi-final qualification.
Afghanistan enters this critical match less than 48 hours after their thrilling win against England, catalyzed by Ibrahim Zadran’s impressive 177 runs. Zadran has prior successes against Australia as well, making significant contributions in both the Mumbai ODI and the T20 World Cup. Shahidi commended Zadran’s return from injury, acknowledging his talent and dedication, while expressing hope for his continued success on the field.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s upcoming clash with Australia presents a critical opportunity for the team to secure a semi-final spot in the 2023 World Cup. With confidence stemming from their prior successes and a dedication to team strategy over individual performances, Afghanistan remains optimistic. As they prepare, focus remains on a collective effort, building momentum from their recent achievements.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
