Naveen-ul-Haq (L) and Rashid Khan in practice© AFP
Afghanistan cricket team fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq took to social media to root for Australia before the two teams meet in the 2023 Cricket World Cup on November 7. In a post on Instagram, Naveen referred to the time in 2021 when Australia due political tensions refused to travel to Afghanistan for a test match. The Taliban seized power in August 2021 and as a result, Australia decided to cancel their travel plans. Naveen said it will be interesting to see what Australia decides next as the political situation in Afghanistan has not changed since then.
“Refusing to play the bilateral series, now will be interesting to see cricket Australia in the World Cup #standards #humanrights or 2 points,” Naveen posted on Instagram.
Meanwhile, spinner Adam Zampa played with bat and ball as Australia knocked defending champions England out of the 2023 Cricket World Cup with a 33-run win on Saturday.
Chasing 287 for victory in Ahmedabad, England folded for 253 in 48.1 overs despite a brave 64 from Ben Stokes to slump to their sixth defeat in seven matches and remain bottom of the 10-team table.
Five-time champions Australia moved closer to securing a place in the semi-finals alongside India and South Africa – both of whom have already qualified for the last four – with their fifth straight win.
Zampa returned figures of 3-21 with his leg spin to break England’s hopes raised by a number of partnerships, including a 63-run fifth-wicket stand between Stokes and Moeen Ali, who hit 42.
(With AFP inputs)
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