Afghanistan set for stern Australia test in T20 World Cup Super Eight game

ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan faces Australia in a crucial T20 World Cup clash, aiming to improve NRR and upset the in-form Aussies.

A stern test awaits Afghanistan as they take on a rampant Australia in their T20 World Cup Super Eight Group 1 clash here on Sunday.

Coming off a 47-run thrashing at the hands of India, Afghanistan will be under pressure not just to record a win but also to improve their Net Run Rate which took a severe hit after the loss in their first Super Eight game.

Afghanistan are placed third with a NRR of -2.350 and it will be an uphill task for them to improve that as well as move up in the points table in a group which also consists Bangladesh.

While Rahmanullah Gurbaz (178 runs) and Ibrahim Zadran (160) have been at the forefront of Afghanistan batting, they need more from their middle and lower-order batters in terms of contribution.

Both Fazalhaq Farooqi (15 wickets) and Rashid Khan (9) have made life tough for batters consistently across varied pitches in the Americas and they will be crucial to stop the battery of in-form Australian batters who like to keep things in their control.

Afghanistan showed their all-round skills in the group stage to finish second behind the West Indies but they will have to find their ‘A’ game to stop the 2021 winners Australia, who have notched up five wins in a row.

At the top, David Warner (169 runs) and Travis Head’s (179) destructive opening pair can take down the best of bowling attacks and in such a scenario, Rashid’s use of Farooqi and himself could have a big impact on the proceedings.