LAHORE, Pakistan — Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi remained tight-lipped about his team’s game plan ahead of their crucial Champions Trophy clash against Australia on Friday, downplaying any special focus on Glenn Maxwell.
“You think we will come only to play with Maxwell? Do you think it will be like that?” Shahidi told reporters on Wednesday. “We have a plan for the entire Australian team. He played well in the World Cup, but that is history. We beat them in the T20 World Cup after that.”
Afghanistan will face Australia for the first time in one-day cricket since their dramatic meeting at the 2023 World Cup, when Maxwell’s record-breaking 201-run innings secured Australia a three-wicket victory. Shahidi, however, insisted that his team would not focus on a single player.
“We are not coming to the ground to plan for one individual,” he said. “We have time tomorrow to finalize our approach, and we will try our best.”
Labuschagne dismisses underdog narrative
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne rejected the notion that Afghanistan might be considered an underdog in the contest, acknowledging their rising stature in world cricket.
“Look, I’m not a pundit who decides if they are underdogs or not,” Labuschagne said. “We know how good they are and the skill level they bring. We will make sure we are well-prepared and put together a strong performance.”
Afghanistan eyes semi-final spot
Afghanistan, fresh off an eight-run victory over England in Lahore, remains in contention for a semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy. Australia, meanwhile, successfully chased 352 runs to defeat England last weekend but saw their previous match against South Africa abandoned due to rain.
Friday’s high-stakes encounter at Gaddafi Stadium will determine whether Afghanistan advances to the tournament’s final four, marking a major milestone in their rapid rise in international cricket.
