Maxwell in Focus as Afghanistan Await Australia in Spin-Friendly Kingstown
Match details:
- Teams: Afghanistan vs Australia
- Venue: Kingstown
- Time: 8.30pm local time
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Big Picture: All Eyes on Glenn Maxwell
The last time Australia faced Afghanistan, Glenn Maxwell made history with an incredible double-hundred in Mumbai, pulling off a miraculous win. Since then, Maxwell has had a challenging period, including a tough IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and a mixed start to the T20 World Cup. However, he showed glimpses of his best form against Bangladesh, and Australia will be hoping for a big impact from him on a spin-friendly Kingstown pitch.
Australia’s middle order has been strong, striking at 168.09, the best among all teams in this T20 World Cup. In contrast, Afghanistan’s middle order has struggled, with the lowest strike rate among all Full-Member teams. This match will be critical for both teams, especially in the context of the tension between the two boards over political issues.
Form Guide
- Afghanistan: LLWWW (last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
- Australia: WWWWW
In the Spotlight: Naveen-ul-Haq and Tim David
Naveen-ul-Haq has faced challenges in the Caribbean leg but remains Afghanistan’s key bowler at the death with his yorkers and slower variations. He will need to be cautious against Tim David, who has a strong record against him, scoring 50 off 38 balls without being dismissed. David also fares well against Rashid Khan, with 62 off 45 balls. If David falters, Australia has other power-hitters like Marcus Stoinis and Maxwell.
Team News: Will Australia Bring Back Agar?
Afghanistan (probable):
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Hazratullah Zazai
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Gulbadin Naib
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Najibullah Zadran
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan (capt)
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Australia (probable):
- David Warner
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh (capt)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis
- Tim David
- Matthew Wade (wk)
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Josh Hazlewood/Ashton Agar
- Adam Zampa
Pitch and Conditions: Spin to Win
Spinners have excelled in Kingstown, with an economy rate of 5.64 in six innings this tournament. Expect another spin-dominated match with top wristspinners Rashid and Zampa in action. The weather forecast is favorable with low chances of rain.
Stats and Trivia
- Ashton Agar has dismissed Mohammad Nabi twice in ten balls while conceding just four runs in T20 cricket. He is one wicket away from becoming the second Australian spinner, after Zampa, to reach 50 T20I wickets.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi has taken 15 wickets in this T20 World Cup at an economy rate of 5.45, with eight of those wickets in the powerplay, the most by any bowler during this phase in the tournament.
- Travis Head, Tim David, and Marcus Stoinis have collectively hit 129 sixes in T20 cricket this year.
Quotes
“I think there are a few players who are very early in their international careers and they will learn from it. And World Cup is always the biggest stage when you’re playing against the biggest team as well.” Rashid Khan on the Afghanistan youngsters
“Yeah, it was nice to get out there and hit a couple, but I’ve said it pretty consistently. I felt pretty good throughout the whole tournament.” Glenn Maxwell on his cameo against Bangladesh