ICC Champions Trophy: Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi backs victory chances against Australia

Only three teams now remain in contention for a semi-final spot at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition. India and New Zealand have already qualified, bringing an end to the anticipation in Group A. Group B, however, is coursing through a thrilling passage, with the remaining group-stage fixtures set to be virtual knockouts. One such knockout, which unfolded in Rawalpindi, culminated in Afghanistan registering a nail-biting victory over England. England, along with Bangladesh and the hosts, Pakistan, thus stands eliminated from the marquee event. However, for Afghanistan to claim a semi-final spot, Australia remains a key hindrance in their path.

Hashmatullah Shahidi gives a sharp-witted reply to the Maxwell query ahead of Australia vs Afghanistan showdown

While a big feat, this victory is not the first one for Afghanistan over England. The ICC Champions Trophy result was a repeat of the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Afghanistan beat the English in the league stage. What happened next, however, was Afghanistan losing out on the semi-final spot against Australia. A historic match, the contest saw Glenn Maxwell, with an injured leg, smashing a double century to single-handedly lead the Kangaroos to a thrilling victory over Afghanistan. Now, as they aim for a semi-final berth at yet another ICC ODI event, it's Australia standing in their way again.

However, it's a thing of the past, and Afghanistan is not dwelling on it as they gear up for the contest at the ICC Champions Trophy. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi had a sharp-witted reply when asked about his team’s approach to tackling Glenn Maxwell ahead of their Champions Trophy showdown with Australia. Maxwell had haunted Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, smashing an unforgettable 201 runs to rescue Australia from a precarious 91 for 7 and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

However, Shahidi emphasized that his team has moved on from that setback and is preparing to face Australia as a collective unit rather than focusing on one player. After Afghanistan’s dominant win over England, Shahidi was asked how his side planned to contain Maxwell this time around. Flashing a smile, the Afghan skipper dismissed the idea of fixating on a single player, stressing that their attention remained on Australia as a whole.

"You think we will come only to play with Maxwell? Do you think it will be like that?" Shahidi quipped. "We have planning for the whole Australian team. I know he played really well in the 2023 World Cup, but that’s part of history. After that, we beat them in the T20 World Cup. We think about the entire opposition team, not just one player. We are preparing for Australia, not just Maxwell," the Afghanistan skipper added.

The skipper also made it clear that Afghanistan would not be revealing any tactical plans ahead of the contest. When pressed for specifics, Shahidi firmly declined to share details. Afghanistan is set to face Australia on February 28, looking to build on their momentum from the England victory. A win would confirm their place in the semi-finals, making it a high-stakes encounter.

"Australia is a tough team, one of the best in the world. Every team studies their opponents and prepares strategies based on their strengths and weaknesses. We have our own plans, but this is not the right place to share them. Let us keep it within the team and apply it on the field," he stated.