Australia's captain, Mitchell Marsh, has issued a strong warning to the Indian team as the 2021 champions find themselves on the verge of elimination following a loss to Afghanistan. Australia now faces a challenging situation, needing a victory against the favored Indian team to secure a spot in the semifinals.
The defeat to Rashid Khan and his team was a significant blow to Australia, as they were unable to chase down a modest target of 149 runs on a difficult Kingstown pitch. The Afghan team put on a spirited performance, seeking revenge for their heartbreaking loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup. This time, they held their nerve and crucially dismissed the dangerous Glenn Maxwell for 59, shifting the momentum in their favor.
In response to the team's predicament, Captain Marsh emphasized the importance of defeating India at all costs. The message is clear: Australia must rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance against the formidable Indian side.
"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," Marsh said in the post-match presentation.
In discussing the defeat, Marsh openly admitted that Australia was outplayed by Afghanistan, who delivered a strong performance in cricket to secure two crucial points.
"They got 20 too many. And to be honest, they played a really good game of cricket. We were outplayed tonight," Marsh added.
Australia will be facing India at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia on Monday in a crucial match to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
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