CWC 2019: AUS vs AFG Preview: Defending Champions seek a winning start
The first World Cup day-night match on the English soil features two teams which will be observed and supported from plenty of quarters. Australia, winners of the 2015 World Cup, will be opening this year’s campaign against Afghanistan who is playing only their second World Cup. The seeming mismatch is not to be taken lightly and is expected to produce fireworks.
Australia was not on anyone’s radars as favourites a few months back but the five-time champions have managed to win back the trust with a string of victories. They impressed by defeating India in India and then handed a 5-0 pasting to Pakistan in UAE. The return of David Warner and Steve Smith makes them even stronger. They have a splendid pace unit that comprises Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Jason Behrendorff.
After clearing the World Cup qualifiers in the most miraculous manner, Afghanistan will be out to prove their credentials. They have already shown their might by taking down Pakistan in the warm-up match. While their batting unit still needs some stability, they have a lethal bowling attack that can topple any batting lineup.
Match Info:
Australia vs Afghanistan, 4th Match
County Ground, Bristol (06:00 PM IST)
Key players:
Usman Khawaja –
In the absence of David Warner, Australia promoted Usman Khawaja to the opening spot, and it proved to be a masterstroke. Since making his comeback to the ODI team after two years, Khawaja has recorded only one score of fewer than 21 runs in 13 innings. This year, he averages 59.15 with two centuries and six half-centuries. If Warner is unfit for the game, Khawaja will be happily be taking the opener’s spot.
Rashid Khan –
Currently ranked third in the ICC rankings of ODI bowlers, Rashid is one of the most-skilled spinners around the globe. The Afghan sensation has made his mark in almost every condition. Rashid already has 125 ODI wickets in his kitty. If he gets into a groove, his ten overs may well take down the mighty Aussies.
Steve Smith –
The man who scored the winning runs of the 2015 World Cup will be pumped to perform at his best in this campaign. Smith was the captain when the sandpaper controversy broke out and was banned for a year. His performances in the warm-up matches were heartening. In his last four innings, he has scored three half-centuries and a century.
Stat-attack
# Australia and Afghanistan have played only two ODIs against each other while they have clashed only once in the World Cups. Australia piled up 417/6 with Warner scoring 178. Australia won the match by 275 runs.
# The last match at County Ground, Bristol featured England chasing down Pakistan’s total of 358 with 31 balls remaining. The match was played on 14th May 2019.
