Two wins followed by two losses – that’s been Pakistan’s World Cup campaign so far. It’s now almost impossible for them to progress to the semi-finals. Their next match is against Afghanistan, who defeated the defending champions, England.
Afghanistan’s main strength has always been their spin attack. The match against Pakistan is scheduled to be played at the spin-friendly Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. This raises questions about how Pakistan’s batsmen will handle Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi.
Former Pakistani captain Ramiz Raja has stated that Afghanistan is the favorite in conditions favorable to spin, like in Chennai, due to the struggles Pakistan’s batting lineup has had against spin. However, Shahin Afridi’s confidence remains high, and he believes that his team can learn from their losses.
Pakistan is currently in the fifth position in the standings with four points from four matches (before the conclusion of the India vs. New Zealand match). They face a tough challenge from Afghanistan, who have already beaten England. Despite having similar points, their net run rate gives them an advantage.
Afghanistan’s spinners’ success and capability are well-known, and Shahin Afridi acknowledges this. He recognizes that Afghanistan can pose a tough challenge for Pakistan. The defeat to England also highlighted the vulnerability of Pakistan’s batting against spin.
Afridi is aware that they are still in the tournament and has expressed his desire to focus on the remaining two matches. He believes that World Cups do not offer the luxury of complacency and that any team can beat anyone. Afghanistan has been playing good cricket, and Afridi is aware of the challenge they present.
Afridi also acknowledged Afghanistan’s spinners but expressed his faith in Pakistan’s batsmen. The match in Chennai is expected to be an intriguing contest between Pakistan’s batsmen and Afghanistan’s spinners.
