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Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi answered when asked about his team's plans to counter Glenn Maxwell in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 must-win game against Australia. Maxwell wreaked havoc against Afghanistan during the ODI World Cup in 2023 with an unforgettable 201-run knock that helped struggling Australia to seal their berth for the semifinal.
However, Afghanistan took their revenge, by defeating Australia in their last outing during the T20 World Cup last year. Shahidi said that the side is preparing for the entire team.
"You think we will come only to play with Maxwell? Do you think it will be like that?" Shahidi quipped. "We have planning for the whole Australian team. I know he played really well in the 2023 World Cup, but that’s part of history. After that, we beat them in the T20 World Cup. We think about the entire opposition team, not just one player. We are preparing for Australia, not just Maxwell," said Shahidi, as quoted by India Today.
After losing their opener clash against South Africa, Afghanistan defeated England to stay in contention for the semifinal race of the ongoing Champions Trophy. The side will now face Australia to seal their spot in top four. While asked about Afghanistan's plan against Australia, skipper Shahidi said that he would not be unveiling any tactical blueprints before the contest. When pressed about specific strategies for the match, he firmly declined to disclose details.
"Australia is a tough team, one of the best in the world. Every team studies their opponents and prepares strategies based on their strengths and weaknesses. We have our own plans, but this is not the right place to share them. Let us keep it within the team and apply it on the field," he stated.
Australia and Afghanistan will face each other on February 28 at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore and the winning team will storm into the semifinal of the mega event.
