Afghanistan take on Australia in crucial WC game today

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan are set to face Australia in a crucial match in the ICC Men’s World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday (today).

At a pre-match news conference, Afghanistan’s skipper backed his side, especially Mujeeb Ur Rahman to deliver against Australia’s top-order.

Both Afghanistan and Australia are in contention for the semi-finals spots and the match at Wankhede could turn out to be an exciting clash, according to India Today.

Australia are in the 3rd position with 10 points in the World Cup 2023 team table, whereas Afghanistan are in the 6th position with eight points.

The focus will be on spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi. Australian batters have been in stunning form in the tournament.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, however, backed his side, specifically Mujeeb Ur Rahman, stating the spinner had been exceptional in the powerplay overs.

“Mujeeb is the most successful bowler for us in power play, especially with the new ball he is doing very good. But we have more options also.

“Without him, our four bowlers can bowl in power play. So, we will see what's happening tomorrow. We will try to take a decision accordingly.”

Shahidi called his spin department the best in the world and said he would be happy if there was something in the pitch for spinners.

“It depends on the pitch. If the pitch suits our spinners and if there is something in the pitch, so I will be very happy. Yeah, I will be very happy because the world knows that our spin department is the best in the world - we can (make) struggle any team.

“I am hopeful that there will be something in the pitch for the spinners and I will feel happy if that happens,” Shahidi concluded.

sa/mud