Afghanistan face massive task against Australia at Perth

Tags: WC Cricket 2015, Afghanistan

Published on: Mar 03, 2015

Afghanistan and Australia will have contrasting targets when they come face to face at the WACA on Wednesday. Having lost a close game to New Zealand, the Aussies would be desperate to get back on the winning track. The tournament hasn't gone as per expectations for them till now.

Afghanistan and Australia will have contrasting targets when they come face to face at the WACA on Wednesday. Having lost a close game to New Zealand, the Aussies would be desperate to get back on the winning track. The tournament hasn't gone as per expectations for them till now. But, it hasn't been entirely their fault as weather has also played culprit. No such villain is expected at Perth, hence the hosts would be keen to get a comprehensive victory under their belt so that they can bring their World Cup campaign back on track. Afghanistan, on the other hand, would be keen to put up a fight. They recently tasted victory against Scotland, so their confidence would be high.

Just like South Africa have done since their shock loss to India, Australia would also be keen to come up with a dominating exhibition at Perth. Their batsmen must utilise the opportunity to get some big runs. Although the pitch in the game against the Kiwis was a tough surface to bat, it must still be said that they played some poor shots. There is definite scope for improvement in their batting, and a game against Afghanistan is possibly what they need at this stage to get their act right again. If they can put up a commanding show with bat, ball and in the field as well, it would be the perfect recipe the team were looking for.

Looking at their batting, Aaron Finch got a wonderful hundred in the opening game, and so should be confident of doing well. But, Australia would ideally also want David Warner to get a big score. True, he has only played two innings in the tournament so far, but the earlier the smashing left hander gets among the runs, the better for the Aussies. The form of Shane Watson would be the biggest concern for Australia at the moment. With James Faulkner's selection uncertain, the team has been heavily depending on the veteran all-rounder to deliver. But, he has been letting the team down time and again.

In the middle order, Michael Clarke and Steven Smith are yet to fire. The Australian captain has only just recovered from injury, but it is imperative for him to find his bearings as soon as possible. As for Smith, the Aussies can only hope that law of averages hasn't caught up with him at the wrong time. Smith was sensational going into the World Cup. It remains to be seen whether he can rediscover the rich vein of form. Glenn Maxwell too would be looking for some quick runs. Among the bowlers, Mitchell Starc has been superb to say the least. It has been Mitchell Johnson who has surprisingly struggled, and needs to get his act together. With Pat Cummins out with injury, Josh Hazelwood has an opportunity to impress again.

For Afghanistan, the Perth game would be the biggest of their career thus far. After all, they will be taking on the hosts in the latter's backyard. This is an opportunity for them to prove that they are not unnerved by the massive occasion. They go into the game having tasted their first World Cup win, against Scotland, but Australia would be a challenge at a much greater level. So far, only Samiullah Shenwari has stood up as far as their batting is concerned. It is important for the likes of skipper Mohammad Nabi and Nawroz Mangal to also deliver. Their bowling seems in much better shape with Shapoor Zadran and Dawlat Zadran among the wickets. Australia though would ask sterner questions of them, for sure.

--By A Cricket Analyst

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