It's Afghan spinners vs Aussie batting might in a must-win game

Mumbai, Nov 6: Giant-killers of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, Afghanistan face Australia, the most successful team in the tournament's history, at the Wankhede Stadium here on Tuesday with an eye firmly on a place in the semifinals.

With India and South Africa assured of a place in the semifinals, Australia also have one foot in the knockout stage, the battle for fourth place in the semifinals has virtually turned into a shoot-out between three teams -- New Zealand, Pakistan and Afghanistan -- all with eight points.

Pakistan and New Zealand have played eight matches each and have only one remaining while Afghanistan have played seven and have two matches in hand. Winning the two matches will seal their berth in the semifinal but it seems easier said than done as Afghanistan face Australia and South Africa in their last two matches in the 2023 World Cup.