Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, draws confidence from their historic World Cup victory over England as they head into a crucial Champions Trophy encounter. Both teams require a win to maintain semi-final hopes, following losses in their respective openers. Despite a challenging loss to South Africa, Afghanistan is hopeful for a strong performance with their spin bowling against England’s experienced side.
In a recent statement, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed that their historic 2023 World Cup victory against England instills confidence as they prepare to face them in the Champions Trophy. Both teams require a win in their upcoming match to keep their semi-final aspirations alive, following losses in their tournament openers.
The Champions Trophy match is critical after Australia and South Africa’s previous encounter was washed out, resulting in a shared point. Afghanistan notably defeated England by 69 runs in New Delhi during the last World Cup, showcasing their rapid progress in white-ball cricket.
Shahidi emphasized the team’s readiness, stating, “We worked hard to achieve at this level and are ready to play every game in a positive way,” while also acknowledging the importance of treating each game uniquely. England’s captain Jos Buttler recognized Afghanistan’s growth and formidable performance standards, highlighting their unique playing style and spin bowling options.
Afghanistan faced a tough opener against South Africa, losing by 107 runs, with their bowlers underperforming, particularly leg-spinner Rashid Khan. Shahidi, anticipating a better performance, expressed hope for favorable conditions for spin bowlers in their match against England.
However, Buttler remains optimistic about his team’s capabilities, confident in the balance between spin and pace bowlers. Amidst political pressures regarding Afghanistan’s treatment of women, Shahidi remained focused on the team’s performance, reinforcing the notion that their primary concern lies within the realm of competitive cricket.
As the Champions Trophy match approaches, both Afghanistan and England find themselves at a pivotal moment requiring victory to advance. Afghanistan, buoyed by past triumphs, aims to leverage their spinning expertise against England’s formidable team. Meanwhile, England is focused on their performance amidst external pressures, underscoring the dedication of both teams to excel on the field despite surrounding challenges.
Original Source: www.france24.com
