Australia vs Afghanistan
Who would have thought that Australia, the favorites to win the World Cup 2022, will not even reach the semis? The likelihood of this happening is very near but they must not have lost hope. Let us look at Australia vs Afghanistan match preview and who will win between Australia vs Afghanistan?
AUS vs AFG: Aus Big Boy that had a Cry
Australia has a lot on the line. To have any chance of beating Afghanistan and moving on to the semifinals. The reigning champs must win handily and significantly improve their net run rate. However, even if Australia accomplishes both of those goals. Their fate will still be in hands of England’s game against Sri Lanka on Saturday, which will determine which four teams from Group 1 advance to the semifinals.
In this tournament, the hosts did not play their best cricket and are dealing with a number of injury worries, including that of their skipper, Aaron Finch. Some of their senior players may have played in their last T20I match if they lose to Afghanistan or even win without moving on to the semi-finals. Since the next T20 World Cup is in 2024 and Australia is not slated to play another T20 International until August 2023, players like Finch, Matthew Wade, and David Warner may be pondering their T20 futures.
AUS vs AFG: The Failed Black Horse For Australia; Mitchell Starc
In T20 cricket, Mitchell Starc was formerly regarded as the best new-ball bowler. He no longer bowls the opening over; instead, he is a middle-overs expert. According to Australia, it’s all part of a larger strategy to make the most of their attack throughout the course of the 20 overs. The statistics reveal a more sobering truth for Starc: he is no longer the bowler he once was.
Prior to 2020, his T20I economy rate was merely 6.74, and in 28 games, he only twice gave up more over 10 runs per over. His economy rate since 2020 is 8.48, and despite scoring two in his opening over against Ireland, he has given up more than 10 runs per over in nine of his last 30 games. He still gets wickets, but he is now incredibly expensive. Australia desperately wants them to perform better.
Australia vs Afghanistan: Can Afghans Cause an Upset?
Afghanistan had great expectations to be a dark horse in Australia, but weather and two poor batting performances against England and Sri Lanka have dashed those aspirations. Due to Rashid Khan’s success with the Adelaide Strikers, Adelaide might be a better fit for their brand of cricket than Perth Stadium and the Gabba.
Rashid Khan is also returning to a city where he is more well-liked than most South Australians. Australia will be concerned of what he, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman could do to their middle order because he has been nearly unplayable in the BBL at the location.
But runs are required for Afghanistan. Australia destroyed Ireland’s top order in previous match. Afghanistan’s top six will face a difficult test against an attack that hasn’t yet launched at full force.
Additionally, this will mark Australia and Afghanistan’s first T20I match. They’ve only played each other in three ODIs and never in a test match. It is the first gathering since Cricket Australia postponed the planned Hobart Test last year due to political considerations.
Australia vs Afghanistan: Last Chance for Rashid Khan to Show Off his Talent
Rashid Khan will hope to make a significant impact in Adelaide, where he is a beloved son. After returning from injury concerns there. Adelaide has become a home away from home for Rashid Khan. It may seem strange to suggest that he would be in the spotlight. His last three-wicket haul came in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh. He also went ten T20s without one. Teams continue to avoid taking risks when Rashid is involved out of pure respect for his abilities. But he must light up Adelaide with both bat and ball if Afghanistan is to defeat Australia.
Australia is known for doing everything to get results in their favor. We expect today will be the day when we see the formidable Australia today that will dominate Afghanistan. If not, they are out and they will deserve that.
