'TOOK AFGHANISTAN TOO LIGHTLY: WC WINNER SPINNER TEARS AUSTRALIA APART, HIGHLIGHTS REASONS OF SUPER 8 EXIT

Afghanistan made history by securing an 8-run win against Bangladesh in their Super-8 match of the T20 World Cup. This virtual quarterfinal was a must-win game for the Blue Tigers to book their first-ever semi-final spot in an ICC event.

Throughout the tournament, Afghanistan showcased their class and proved that they are no longer the ‘Dark Horse’ of T20 cricket. Their exceptional team play was evident in their defense of a low total against Bangladesh and their remarkable victory against Australia, indicating that their wins are not just upsets anymore.

At Kingston, the Blue Tigers defeated the mighty Aussies by 27 runs. While this might have surprised some fans 2-3 years ago, but Afghanistan's current form made it less surprising. Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg shared his thoughts on Australia’s performance during the Star Sports Press Room show. He said, “Australia took Afghanistan too lightly. They rocked up. They weren't at their best. They were terrible in the field. They were terrible with the ball. And at the end of the day, Afghanistan deserved to be there rather than Australia.”

When asked about Pat Cummins’ potential impact as captain, Hogg explained that Mitchell Marsh is considered the "bro" of the team, similar to Andrew Symonds. Marsh brings a lot of fun and lightens the mood, especially during times of division or tension. Hogg noted that Pat Cummins was not initially a certainty for the playing XI in the World Cup. He suggested that if an extra spinner was needed, Cummins would likely have been the one dropped at the start.

Additionally, Hogg mentioned that Nathan Ellis, considered one of Australia’s better T20 bowlers, often doesn’t get the opportunity to play because of the top three bowlers on the team. This situation, according to Hogg, explains why Mitchell Marsh is the captain and Pat Cummins is included in the T20 lineup.

2024-06-25T14:20:04Z dg43tfdfdgfd