Australia will square off against Afghanistan in the 39th match of the ongoing World Cup 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday. Australia has made a resounding comeback after a poor start to the tournament whereas Afghanistan have shown that they can come up with consistent performances on a big stage against the big boys.
We look at the current form, head-to-head, players to look out for, and squads of both teams in our match preview.
Current form for Australia: W W W W W
Australia has won five matches on the bounce and they have been coming up with consistent performances. Marnus Labuschangne scored a crucial knock of 71 runs in the previous game against England whereas Adam Zampa continued to impress, bagging three wickets. Furthermore, Australia’s pace battery also did a good job.
Current form for Afghanistan: W W L W L
Afghanistan have impressed with their performances and they will look to continue the good show. However, there is no denying the fact that they will have to play out of their skins to upset a potent team like Australia. Afghanistan will need to come up with a collective effort against the Aussies.
Head to Head: Matches: 3, Won by Australia: 3, Won by Afghanistan: 0.
Players to look out for: Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Fazalhaq Farooqi will be the crucial players for Afghanistan.
Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Travis Head, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood will be the key players for Australia.
Afghanistan squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Naveen ul Haq.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
