This most recent giant-slaying spectacle from Afghanistan further bolstered their stock as arguably one of the most potent forces on an international cricket stage. This time, they astonished England in a Champions Trophy match on Wednesday by eliminating it from the contest. Accepting another giant challenge from Australia, Afghanistan sent a stern reminder to the cricketing world to stop considering them as the ahistorical jogger of international cricket. The greatest cricketers of all time crossed over to Afghanistan’s soul and conveyed a path into their great and tough loyal cricket fans-now a becoming an impenetrable wall for the others. Indian former cricketer Ajay Jadeja explained why their win over England should not be treated as ‘one-off’ in reaction to their ascendance.
Afghanistan beat England to hand it an 8-run defeat to sustain their hopes of making it to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. During a discussion in a Pakistan-based show ‘Dressing Room’, the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Ajay Jadeja discussed whether the Afghans have it in them to beat even Australia.
“Absolutely,” he answered. “The way they won the game against England… Ibrahim Zadran played so well after they lost early wickets and then to defend 320 with a wet ball was commendable. The ball was literally wet because of the dew. That will give them confidence. Yes, Australia can make it one-sided, but if Afghanistan is up to speed, they can beat any team in the world.”
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Jadeja, in front of some of the greats from across the border, decided to remind them that Afghanistan had won more matches in ICC events than Pakistan. “They have won more games than your team, my friend, in ICC events. Anyone who thinks it’s a one-off is fooling themselves,” Jadeja said.
Ravindra Jadeja was also one of the coaching staff of the Afghan squad which featured threads of glory during the ODI World Cup 2023. Yes, he remembers seeing how immensely Afghanistan developed in cricket. But it is the belief of the team that has impressed the former Indian great the most.
“Now they believe they can come out of any situation. Belief comes mainly after tremendous close victories. They have shown that in this time of the tournament,” he said.
