Shahidi: Afghanistan ready for England challenge

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Afghanistan have voiced optimism ahead of their high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy encounter against England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today (Wednesday).

At a news conference on the eve of the crucial match, skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi underlined the need for an improved batting performance in today’s clash.

While acknowledging the significance of their emphatic win over England in the 2023 ODI World Cup clash, the Afghanistan captain laid emphasis on a fresh perspective and a new mindset.

Shahidi pledged: “We will take the field with a fresh mindset and new preparations. We know England is one of the best teams. It’s a tough challenge for us, but we are ready.”

Routed by South Africa in the tournament opener, Afghanistan are in a must-win situation. Shahidi believed they would succeed if Afghan batters played responsibly.

In their first Group-B match, South Africa had trounced Afghanistan by 107 runs at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

Placed in Group A are Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

The losers of today’s game will crash out of the event, with hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh already eliminated.

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