As the cricket world gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan are set to face off against Australia in a crucial knockout match. The stakes are high, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. This encounter comes with a backdrop of past encounters, notably the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Glenn Maxwell stunned Afghanistan with a remarkable double century. However, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has made it clear that his team is not fixated on Maxwell alone but is prepared to take on the entire Australian lineup.
The ghosts of the 2023 World Cup
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Australia found themselves in a precarious position against Afghanistan, reeling at 91/7 while chasing a target of 292. It was then that Maxwell stepped up, playing one of the most incredible innings in ODI history. His unbeaten 201, despite battling pain and injury, led Australia to an improbable victory. This performance has left a lasting impression, but Shahidi insists that it is now history.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s response to the Glenn Maxwell question
When asked about Maxwell’s impact, Shahidi seemed agitated, emphasizing that Afghanistan’s focus is on the entire Australian team, not just one player. This response highlights Afghanistan’s strategic approach to the match. They are not intimidated by Maxwell’s past heroics and are instead focused on executing a comprehensive game plan against all Australian players.
“You think we will come only to play with Maxwell? Do you think it will be like that? We have planned for the entire Australian team, and I know that he (Maxwell) played really well in the 2023 World Cup, but that’s part of the history,” Shahidi stated firmly in the pre-match press conference.
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Afghanistan’s preparation and confidence for the do-or-die clash
Afghanistan’s confidence stem from their recent performances, including a memorable win over England in the Champions Trophy. This victory was marked by Ibrahim Zadran’s impressive 177, showcasing the team’s batting prowess. Additionally, Afghanistan have already tasted success against Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they emerged victorious despite Maxwell’s threatening 59 off 41 balls. Shahidi emphasized that his team is not focused on individual players but rather on the collective strength of the opposition.
“After that, we beat them in the T20 World Cup, and we think about all the opposition teams. We are not coming to the ground to plan on individual players. We will try our best to come up with the planning, and we are not playing only Maxwell—we are playing Australia,” he added.
The road to semifinals for Afghanistan
For Afghanistan, this match is not just about avenging past defeats but also about securing a spot in the semifinals for the second consecutive ICC tournament. Their recent performances have shown resilience and determination, and they are keen to keep the momentum going.
Shahidi concluded, “I think it will be a good game for cricket, and our focus will be to keep things simple and not worry much about playing the semifinal. We will try to do our basics well, and we will try to come to the ground with good planning.”