Australia's Steve Smith (L) and Cameron Green speak during a practice session on the eve of their 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup ODI match against Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday — AFP
NEW DELHI, Nov 06 (Agencies): With seats quickly filling up for the World Cup semifinals, Australia are determined to overcome middle-order challenges and secure their spot in the final four by taking on a spirited Afghanistan on Tuesday.
With India and South Africa already securing their positions in the semifinals, only two places remain up for grabs.
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, aim to solidify their progression into the semifinals, and the match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium provides them with the opportunity to achieve this goal.
The Wankhede Stadium is known for its batting-friendly conditions but also offers support to bowlers who can exploit the conditions effectively.
The encounter promises to be an intriguing one, given Afghanistan's array of spinners and determined batting lineup eager to put up a strong performance. For Australia, leg-spinner Adam Zampa leads the way with 19 wickets in seven matches, the most by any bowler in this World Cup.
Australia need just one win from their remaining two matches, against Afghanistan and Bangladesh, to secure a spot in the semifinals and avoid getting entangled in the mid-table points battle for the final spot.
However, Australia's middle-order has yet to fire on all cylinders, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne struggling to make a significant impact. The two have managed only three fifties in seven matches each, and their contributions will be vital for Australia's success against Afghanistan.
Australia star batsman Steve Smith revealed Monday he had suffered a fresh attack of vertigo, a condition that has affected him several times in recent years.
The 34-year-old former Australia captain was hopeful of being fit to face Afghanistan in Tuesday's World Cup match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium but appeared to suffer further discomfort after batting during net practice on Monday and was seen sitting head bowed, under a canopy, on the outfield.
"I've had a bit of vertigo stuff the last day or so, so it's just been a bit annoying," Smith told reporters shortly before the training session.
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