An important match is to be played in Adelaide today between hosts Australia and Afghanistan, who have been out of the semi-final race. It is very important for Australia to win this match. In a way, it will be a do-or-die match for the hosts.
Both teams have played four matches each. In these, Afghanistan lost two and canceled two. Australia won two, lost one, and was canceled due to rain. They have 5 points and are at number three in Group 1 with a net run rate of -0.304. If they win today, he will get 7 points.
However, the rest of the teams in the group also have to play one more match each. Overall, after this match, the picture of the teams reaching the semi-finals from Group 1 will be somewhat clear. Both teams have faced each other for the first time since the 2019 World Cup. The match will start at 1.30 pm.
Head to head
The head-to-head record between both teams stands at 0-0. Today’s game at the ongoing T20 World Cup will mark the first time the two Test-playing nations will lock horns against each other in the shortest format of the game.
Australia will be under pressure
The news coming from the dressing room of the Australian team before the match is not good for him. Captain Aaron Finch and middle-order batsman Tim David are injured. At the moment, it is not decided whether these two will be in the fray against Afghanistan. Both have to undergo a fitness test before the match.
In fact, after the 89-run defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the first match, the Australian team did not appear to be performing the way it is known for. Warner, Smith, and Wade’s bat is silent. Starc and Hazlewood’s bowling did not show the edge for which they have been known. Only Mark Stoinis is seen in the form.
On the one hand, Australia as a unit does not appear in the form. On the other hand, Afghanistan may not have won a single match in this tournament, yet the Australian team will not make the mistake of taking it lightly. The reason for this is that this team has a great bowling attack and a batting lineup with big hitters. Yes, it is a matter of course that on paper Australia looks very heavy on it.
Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi have the ability to turn the dice of any match at any time. Rashid was injured in the last match. For the time being, fit is reported. Another thing is that Afghanistan has nothing to lose.