Afghanistan vs Australia - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Cricket history: Afghanistan's cricket team may not have as long of a history as Australia's, but they have made significant progress in recent years. Afghanistan gained full member status from the International Cricket Council in 2017, while Australia is one of the most successful cricketing nations in history, with multiple World Cup wins.
- 2. Head-to-head record: Afghanistan and Australia have only played each other in one official ODI match, which was during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. Australia won that match by seven wickets.
- 3. Key players: Afghanistan's key players include star spinner Rashid Khan, explosive batsman Hazratullah Zazai, and experienced all-rounder Mohammad Nabi. Australia boasts a strong lineup with players like Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc.
- 4. Playing conditions: The match is likely to be played at a neutral venue, as Afghanistan does not have a home ground suitable for hosting international matches. The conditions are expected to be spin-friendly, which could favor Afghanistan's strengths.
- 5. Recent form: Afghanistan has shown improvement in their recent performances, with wins against higher-ranked teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Australia, on the other hand, has been dominant in all formats of the game and is currently ranked among the top teams in the world.
- 6. Coaching staff: Afghanistan is currently coached by former South African cricketer Lance Klusener, while Australia is coached by Justin Langer, a former Australian cricketer with a successful coaching career.
- 7. Team tactics: Afghanistan is known for their strong spin bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, and aggressive batting style. Australia, on the other hand, has a balanced team with strong batting, bowling, and fielding units.
- 8. World Cup ambitions: Both teams will be looking to perform well in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup, with Afghanistan aiming to make a mark on the global stage and Australia looking to add another title to their illustrious history.
- 9. Match significance: The match between Afghanistan and Australia will provide an opportunity for Afghanistan to test themselves against one of the top teams in the world and for Australia to fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup.
- 10. Fan support: While Australia may have more fans worldwide due to their cricketing history and success, Afghanistan has a passionate fan base that continues to grow as the team achieves more success on the international stage. The match is likely to attract attention from fans of both teams and cricket enthusiasts around the world.