Champions Trophy: Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne ready to face Afghanistan
What's the story
Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne has stated he is ready to take on Afghanistan, despite Cricket Australia previously banning bilateral matches with the Asian team.
The decision was taken in 2024 amid fears of declining women's rights under Taliban rule.
However, the teams have since faced each other in the 2024 T20 World Cup and are now gearing up for a showdown in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Here's more.
Player perspective
Labuschagne's stance on upcoming match
Speaking at a press conference, the Aussie batter stated that he personally has 'no issues' playing against Afghanistan.
He noted Cricket Australia's past stance but stressed the team's focus on the upcoming match.
"Yeah, interesting question. Obviously, it's an ICC tournament... Personally, for me...I've got no issues about playing tomorrow," said Labuschagne.
"Our game, as the schedule came out, we're playing Afghanistan. But obviously there has been some stances from us at Cricket Australia in the past," he added.
Team evolution
Afghanistan's cricket team: A rising force
Afghanistan's cricket team has been on the rise in international cricket.
They even went on to defeat Australia during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Although they are yet to beat Australia in the ODI format, they have shown their mettle by beating England in their most recent match on February 26.
This highlights Afghanistan's journey from being underdogs to being a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
Match anticipation
Labuschagne on Afghanistan's cricket prowess
When asked about his views on Afghanistan's status in the cricket world, Labuschagne said that he isn't in a position to call them underdogs or otherwise.
"Look, I'm not a pundit or someone that deems if they're underdog or not. We're playing Afghanistan and we know how good they are and we know the skill level that they play with, but we're going to make sure we come really well-prepared and put a really good performance together," he noted.
Journey
Australia and Afghanistan's journey in the Champions Trophy so far
The Aussies got off to a great start in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Australia clinched a thrilling comeback victory against England in what was a high-scoring game.
However, their second match against South Africa was washed out due to rain.
On the other hand, the Afghans suffered a crushing 107-run defeat against the Proteas in their opener but managed a stunning comeback against England with an eight-run victory.
Meanwhile, this final group encounter comes as a do-or-die for both teams.
H2H record
Australia-Afghanistan: A look at their head-to-head record
As per ESPNcricinfo, Australia have dominated Afghanistan in this format.
The two teams have in clashed in four ODIs so far, with Australia winning all four.
Notably, Glenn Maxwell's record-breaking double-ton headlined the AUS-AFG match in the 2023 WC.
However, Afghanistan stunned the Aussies in their last international meeting, which took place in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup.
Predicted playing XI
Predicted XI of the two teams
Australia predicted XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Afghanistan predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.