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Australia will take on Afghanistan in Match 39 of the ODI World Cup 2023 at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. The encounter carries immense significance for both teams, as the outcome of this match will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping their respective journeys towards the semifinals of the prestigious tournament.
Ahead of the clash, Afghan speedster Naveen-ul-Haq mocked the Aussies by sharing an Instagram story for a peculiar scenario earlier this year.
Australia vs Afghanistan – The controversial scenario
A noteworthy fact is that Australia decided to forfeit a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in late March of 2023. This decision came in response to the Taliban regime’s announcement of new restrictions on the education and employment of women and girls.
The series was a component of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Super League, a pathway where the top eight teams were assured a spot in the 2023 World Cup. Yet, owing to Cricket Australia’s choice to forfeit the series, all 30 points were awarded to Afghanistan.
Australia cricket management’s action, taken in protest of the developments in Afghanistan, drew international attention and mixed reactions from cricket fans and enthusiasts worldwide.
Naveen-ul-Haq’s attention-grabbing Instagram story
Naveen mocked the Pat Cummins-led side by mentioning that it would be interesting to see the five-time ODI World Cup Champions’ stance on playing against Afghanistan after refusing to play the ODI series against them.
“Refusing to play the bilateral series, now it will be interesting to see cricket Australia stand in the World Cup #standards #humanrights or 2 points,” Naveen wrote.
Also READ- ODI World Cup 2023: Semi-finals qualification scenarios for Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand
Afghanistan’s stellar campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023
The ongoing tournament have witnessed Afghanistan’s out of the box performance, causing a stir in the cricketing world. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side, initially considered underdogs in the highly prestigious ICC event, has defied expectations by securing victories in four of the seven matches they have participated in.
With their eyes set on a place in the coveted playoff stage of this edition of the World Cup, Afghanistan has certainly emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the tournament, showcasing their impressive cricketing masterclass and determination.
