Afghanistan stand third in the points table with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -2.350. Moving up in a group that also includes Bangladesh will be an uphill task. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with 178 runs, and Ibrahim Zadran, with 160, have been critical to Afghanistan’s batting lineup. However, the team requires more contributions from their middle and lower-order batsmen to pose a serious challenge to Australia.
On the bowling front, Fazalhaq Farooqi, who has taken 15 wickets, and Rashid Khan, with 9 wickets to his name, have been consistently effective on varied pitches. Their performance will be crucial against a strong Australian batting lineup.
Afghanistan showcased their all-round skills to finish second behind the West Indies in the group stage but will need to deliver their best to stop the 2021 winners, Australia, who currently boast a five-match winning streak.
Australia’s David Warner, with 169 runs, and Travis Head, with 179, form a destructive opening pair capable of dismantling top bowling attacks. The key for Afghanistan could lie in Rashid Khan’s strategic use of Farooqi and his own bowling capabilities to disrupt Australia’s rhythm.
The teams last faced off during the ODI World Cup in 2023 in Mumbai, where Glenn Maxwell played an exceptional double-century knock despite suffering from cramps, with Pat Cummins providing strong support.