Australia, South Africa, England type the Group of Demise as Afghanistan eye extra upsets. TOI analyses Group B
AUSTRALIA
Strengths: No different crew has a greater report in world occasions — six 50-over World Cups, one T20 World Cup and two Champions Trophies make them essentially the most fearsome white ball unit. An explosive batting lineup comprising the likes of skipper Steve Smith, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell is usually a handful.
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Weaknesses: Absence of key pacers corresponding to Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as a result of accidents weakens their bowling assault, as does the shortage of spin choices to help Adam Zampa.
Alternatives: The event presents a possibility for younger abilities like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Aaron Hardie to step up and make their mark on the worldwide stage. On featherbeds, Australia can bat the rivals out of the sport.
Threats: Australia are coming into the event following a 0-2 defeat in opposition to Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka the place they discovered spin robust to deal with, elevating issues about their present type. In addition they misplaced the ODI collection 1-2 to Pakistan at house.
Workforce England (Getty Photographs)
ENGLAND
Strengths: An aggressive batting line-up. England have batters like Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root who carry a mixture of energy, consistency, and flexibility. The inclusion of Jofra Archer and Mark Wooden provides vital firepower to their bowling arsenal.
Weaknesses: English batters have usually struggled in opposition to high quality spin, which could possibly be a priority if the wickets are dry and afford flip. The latest 0-Three collection defeat to India was a chief instance. The previous World Champions even have only one high quality spinner of their line-up, and that’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid. Demise bowling has been a priority too.
Alternatives: Batting-friendly pitches might favour England’s aggressive batting model. New technology of younger abilities like Brook, Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse can shine at a marquee event.
Threats: Groups like India, South Africa and Australia pose vital challenges with their well-rounded squads. Afghanistan, who’ve an array of spinners, will likely be an enormous menace to England.
SOUTH AFRICA
Strengths: After India, South Africa have essentially the most versatile batting line-up. Skipper Temba Bavuma supplies stability on the high. Aiden Markram can play the holding function and may smash it. Heinrich Klaasen is famend for his aggressive strokeplay, and so they’ve a world-class finisher like David Miller. In addition they possess a formidable tempo assault, led by Kagiso Rabada who’s properly supported by Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen.
Weaknesses: South Africa’s spin division continues to be a priority, with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi but to indicate constant match-winning performances in ODIs. In addition they have a historical past of faltering in crunch video games in world tournaments.
Alternatives: It’s a positive probability for them so as to add an ICC trophy to erase the “chokers” tag round their necks. Not like groups like India, England and Australia, South Africa enter the event with out overwhelming expectations which might assist them play freely.
Threats: The crew would possibly really feel the absence of speedster Anrich Nortje who bought injured. In addition they didn’t defend a 350-plus goal in opposition to Pakistan final week.
AFGHANISTAN
Strengths: Afghanistan has a powerful spin bowling assault, that includes stars like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, in addition to younger abilities like Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote. They beat high sides within the 2023 ODI WC and made the semis of the 2024 T20 WC. It highlights their rising confidence and skill to compete at excessive ranges. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, and skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi represent a top-Four that’s aggressive in addition to constant.
Weaknesses: The center and decrease middle-order has been inconsistent, placing strain on the top-order to ship constantly. They’re coming into the event with out correct ODI match follow as their final 50-over look was in opposition to Zimbabwe in Dec 2024.
Alternatives: Taking part in all group matches in Pakistan supplies Afghanistan with an opportunity to leverage their spin-heavy assault successfully. Afghanistan have already overwhelmed groups like England and Pakistan in latest ICC occasions. Extra upsets might take them deep into the event.
Threats: The reliance on openers Gurbaz and Zadran to constantly rating runs could possibly be problematic in the event that they fail to carry out. Dealing with robust groups like Australia and South Africa will pose a major problem, particularly if the middle-order doesn’t step up. Moreover, if situations favour tempo over spin, Afghanistan would possibly battle as their tempo bowling shares are restricted.
