Both Afghanistan and Australia are coming into the match after thrilling encounter. Only that for Australia, the result did not go their way and for Afghanistan it did. Whether Australia would have been demoralized with that defeat or not, Afghanistan must definitely be high in confidence with the way they pulled it out. Australia's confidence would have been hardly hurt, considering the way they defended the meager score of 151.
Their last match is out of their way. The opposition for both the teams are quiet opposite of what they had faced in their previous match. If it was the fellow associate for Afghanistan, it is the world number one this time. On the other hand, if it was an in-form co-host for Australia in their previous match, it is an enthusiastic associate who wants to do all it takes to make a mark in the world stage.
Like any other match that involves an associate, the result is consequential only for the test nation that play against them. This match is no different. Australia has played 3 games, one won, one lost and one no result. A win is a must for Australia and will not be a difficult task, however spirited the Afghans may be. Australia's loss to New Zealand has done considerable damage to their NRR. Thankfully for them, as of now that will come in to play only if they are tied with Bangladesh. Such a situation is highly unlikely. Afghanistan's batting is vulnerable. Even if Australian's are not able to dismiss them early, they will definitely be able to prevent them from scoring by their accurate bowling and fielding. If Afghanistan bats first, then Australia will definitely have to chase a modest total. The only interest in such a situation would be how many overs would Afghanistan play. On the other hand, if Afghanistan has to chase, then Australia will have to set them a big target.
For Afghanistan, this match is all about gaining experience, especially their batting line up. They will be up against the likes of Johnson, Starc and Hazlewood. If they are able to survive this attack and also score at the same time, it will give a lot of confidence to them. Australia is a team, that will not take this game lightly and it will come all out against them. Afghanistan will also be suffocated by the Australian fielding, which will create addition pressure on the batsmen. So this will eventually be the experience that an associate could look forward to. Similarly, Afghanistan bowlers will be up against the most destructive batting line up. The line and length that they choose to bowl against this team will be crucial. Afghanistan will have to lift their fielding as well to restrict the Australians from scoring big.
For Australia, there are quiet a few batsmen who are itching to strike form, Warner, Watson, Smith, Clarke to name a few. This will be an opportunity for them to be among runs. James Faulkner is available for selection. It would be interesting to see if they get him in the playing XI or not. Will he come in place of the injured Pat Cummins or will he replace Mitchell Marsh for a like-to-like replacement will have to be seen. For Afghanistan, Nawroz Mangal has not been able to strike the right chord with his batting. Will Afghanistan bring in young opener Usman Ghani?
It could be another one sided game but will be keenly watched to see how Afghanistan does in this game, especially with representation of associates in the next world cup being the talking point.
*Image: Courtesy Star Sports
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