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Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja took a brutal dig at Pakistan legend Waqar Younis while backing Afghanistan for their campaign in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy. Afghanistan created history by defeating England in their second group stage match of the mega event. However, the side is on the verge of getting out of the tournament as their third league clash against Australia was abandoned due to rain in Lahore. As a result, both teams shared a point, with Australia securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Afghanistan's chances for qualifying for the semifinal will now depend on the South Africa vs England clash, which will take place on March 1. A win for South Africa would see them qualify as the second semi-finalist from Group B, but if they lose, the team with the superior net run rate (NNR) will advance.
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While speaking on Sports Central’s Dressing Room show Jadeja reminded Waqar Younis that Afghanistan has won more matches in ICC events than Pakistan in recent years, making their success anything but a fluke. Afghanistan's recent nail biter win against England aroused the discussion about their performance in ICC events.
“They have won more games than your team, my friend, in ICC events. Anybody who thinks it’s a one-off thing is fooling themselves," Jadeja said.
Afghanistan won 10 matches in their last three ICC tournament outings. Five of those wins came in the previous T20 World Cup, where they made history by reaching the semi-finals. Their rapid rise in world cricket has thus far seen them beat strong teams like Australia and England at the global stage.
Afghanistan Champions Trophy qualification scenario
Afghanistan are currently in a tricky situation as their third league match against Australia was washed out. Australia has qualified with four points, while both South Africa and Afghanistan sit at three points each. England, already eliminated, has no wins in their two matches.
For Afghanistan to qualify, England must beat South Africa by at least 207 runs if they bat first, assuming they post a total of over 300.
If England chases, they need to reach the target in just 11.1 overs (assuming a 300+ first-innings score).
