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If Afghanistan can win their two remaining matches at the World Cup they will qualify for the semi-finals, but their task will not be easy with a tough encounter first-up against Australia.
Afghanistan will be buoyed entering the clash following three consecutive victories that have breathed life into their campaign that started with what now looms as a costly defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in their tournament opener.
The five-time champions also made a slow start to the tournament with losses in their opening two fixtures, but have since found form to win five matches on the trot and move within striking distance of booking a place in the semi-finals.
Australia's hopes of qualifying look set to be boosted with the likely availability of key players Mitch Marsh and Glenn Maxwell after the pair missed the victory over England on Saturday, though it would leave Pat Cummins' side with a selection dilemma as they try and squeeze all their stars into the XI.
It remains to be seen whether all-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Cameron Green make way for Marsh and Maxwell, or whether one of the specialist batters is set for a stint on the sidelines.
Australia have class players in every department, so Afghanistan will need to be at their best if they are to push the 2015 World Cup champions.
When: November 07, 2023, 2:00 PM IST
Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Teams
Australia:
Australia's hopes of fielding their strongest XI are in doubt due to Steve Smith's vertigo issue, and his availability for the upcoming match depends on how he feels on the match morning. On a positive note, Glenn Maxwell has been active in the nets, and Mitchell Marsh has returned to India after his grandfather's unfortunate passing.
In terms of tactics and strategy, Australia has been most effective when batting first and setting substantial scores, and they intend to maintain this approach despite Afghanistan's spin threat. The conditions under lights will also be a crucial factor, even though Adam Zampa has been their standout bowler in the tournament.
Afghanistan:
Afghanistan is expected to stick with their spin-heavy bowling attack, regardless of the prevailing conditions. It was evident when Hashmatullah Shahidi, with an engaging smile, expressed his desire for a turning pitch.
In terms of tactics and strategy, the Afghanistan captain was reluctant to divulge specifics, even when questioned twice about his plans for using spinners against Australia's strong hitters. He did mention having four options for opening the bowling, including the influential Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, who has been vital in the powerplay phase, which represents Afghanistan's best opportunity to exert early pressure on the Australian team.
Squads:
Australia Squad: Travis Head, David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Alex Carey
Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil(w), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Najibullah Zadran, Naveen-ul-Haq, Abdul Rahman, Riaz Hassan
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