Kingstown

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh knows that winning their final Super 8 match is the only way to cruise to the 2024 T20 World Cup semis after what transpired in Kingstown against Afghanistan. A shocking 21-run loss at the hands of the Rashid Khan-led Afghan team complicates Australia's final four chances, but Marsh feels good about taking on the spirited and unbeaten Indian Team on Monday in St Lucia.

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Afghanistan avenged the 2023 World Cup loss at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai with a stunning win on Sunday (June 23) in the format they have prospered lately. With their performances in this edition blowing the roof off, having beaten New Zealand in the Group Stages earlier, Afghanistan remains in contention for an improbable semis spot.

Speaking to the media after their second Super 8 game, Marsh sounded disappointed with the result, saying they got outplayed across all departments and that it was an off-night for them on the field, which he and his team owned up to. 

ALSO READ: ‘It’s not an upset’ – Cricket world reacts to Afghanistan’s historic win over Australia in Super 8s of T20 WC

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The lanky all-rounder also spoke about the toss, where, considering the team batting first has won most games in this competition, Australia elected to bowl first. 

"They got 20 too many. And to be honest, they played a really good game of cricket. We were outplayed tonight. (On not batting first, based on ground stats) We did think about it. A lot of teams have bowled first at this World Cup to get an idea of the surface. Don't think we lost at the toss. It was an off-night for us in the field, and we own that,” Marsh said.

With India next in line, Australia knows they have a mountain to climb. However, Marsh feels that the Aussies having beaten the Men the Blue lately (across formats and on bigger stages) gives them a psychological advantage, and they wish to make the most of this in the do-or-die clash.

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“We'll be back next game. It wasn't an easy wicket, but both teams played on this surface. (India next...) First and foremost, it becomes clear for us. We need to win, and no better team to do it against. Full credit to Afghanistan for tonight, and we move on quickly,” he continued.

Rashid lauds teammates

With Afghanistan trying as many as eight bowlers, with the match-winner Gulbadin Naib (who picked four for 20) being the eighth one, Captain Rashid feels having a few all-rounders gives him more options and he is happy to make the most of it.

"The beauty of this team is having too many all-rounders gives you options. As a captain, it makes it easy,” Rashid said after a massive win.

Reflecting on his team’s performance, Rashid said they came close to beating Australia twice in the last two years but failed; feeling glad to cross the line this time. The star bowler added this win is for the Afghanistan fans. 

"It's a massive win for us as a team and as a nation. In the World Cup, beating champions is a great feeling. It's something we missed in the last two years - in the 2023 World Cup and also in 2022 in Australia, where we lacked some runs.

"It is so much important for people at home and for everyone all over the world where Afghans are there. They were badly missing this win. I am sure they would be proud of this and would have enjoyed the game. It is just the beginning for us, big game next, and we have all the chances of making the semis,” he concluded. 

(With inputs from agencies)