Hashmatullah Shahidi, the captain of the Afghanistan cricket team, has openly expressed his disappointment over his team’s failure to secure a spot in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite notable victories against cricket powerhouses like England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, Shahidi felt that his team fell short of their potential, leading to their exclusion from the semi-finals.
Shahidi acknowledged that he had “wanted and expected more” from his team, highlighting that mistakes in the field were particularly costly in crucial matches. He specifically pointed to a dropped catch by Glenn Maxwell during their match against Australia, which he considered a turning point in their campaign. Afghanistan had not anticipated Maxwell playing one of the greatest innings in cricket history.
Looking ahead to their final match against South Africa, Shahidi emphasized the importance of playing to their strengths. He expressed confidence in their ability to defeat any team on their day.
Glenn Maxwell’s Heroic Innings
On a memorable Tuesday, Glenn Maxwell battled cramps and delivered an unbeaten innings of 201 runs off 128 balls. His remarkable performance not only snatched victory from the jaws of defeat but also secured Australia’s place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Afghanistan had Australia in a precarious position, reducing them to 91 for seven wickets while setting a challenging target of 292 at the Wankhede Stadium. However, what transpired next was nothing short of extraordinary, as Maxwell’s exceptional innings turned the match in Australia’s favor.
