An intense battle awaits when Australia and Afghanistan meet in a must-win World Cup fixture at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. A win from its remaining two fixtures will seal a semifinal berth for Australia, while Afghanistan, too, stands a chance if it wins the next two games and betters its net run rate.
In their previous three ODI outings — including two in World Cups — Afghanistan lost on every occasion. But this time around, three consecutive wins have breathed life into its campaign and it would be desperate keep the momentum going. But it won’t be an easy affair.
After two early losses, Australia regrouped and found form to win five matches on the trot. Though there are concerns over Steve Smith’s availability after he reported symptoms of vertigo, the five-time champion will be glad to have Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell back.
