Centuries from openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran powered Afghanistan to their first ever ODI series against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Saturday.
The depleted Aussies will look at Travis Head and captain Smith for inspiration as they chase the title that they last won in 2009.
Members of the trophy-winning squad from 2017 were present at the event with then captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in conversation with former West Indies pacer and broadcaster Ian Bishop.
Buttler said it will take a lot of effort from his team to overcome the setback.
'... when I'm not quite at my best and not feeling that great out there, is my ability to still contribute and take those big wickets.'
Chennai Super Kings batsman Rachin Ravindra attributed their comprehensive victory over Mumbai Indians to the team's spinners, particularly the leadership of Ravichandran Ashwin. Ravindra highlighted the depth and balance provided by the spin attack, which ensured they could handle any off-days from individual bowlers.
A Mumbai court has granted anticipatory bail to Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi in a case filed against him for his remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. The court, however, cautioned Azmi to exercise restraint during interviews, warning that any irresponsible statement could spark riots. The case stems from Azmi's remarks during an interview where he praised Aurangzeb's rule and claimed that India's GDP during his reign accounted for 24 percent of the world's GDP. Azmi's lawyer argued that his client's statements were made spontaneously and without any malicious intent, while the prosecution opposed the bail plea, arguing that the remarks were made in a sensitive time following the release of a film based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, a revered Maratha king who was captured by Aurangzeb. The court noted that the investigation was at a preliminary stage and that the investigating officer did not have the video recording of the interview when the case was filed. The court also expressed concern over the potential for Azmi's remarks to incite violence.
Afghanistan were once considered World Cup minnows, having won just one game in their two previous campaigns.
Images from the ICC World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, in Pune, on Monday.
Afghanistan dismissed England for 215 to create one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
The Taliban have announced they will close all national and foreign nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) employing women in Afghanistan.
Images from the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.
Taliban's spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid announced the decree that aims to solve "obscene acts".
India has improved its ranking in the World Happiness Report 2025, climbing to 118th from 126th last year. However, it still lags behind neighbouring countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and Ukraine. Finland has topped the list for the eighth consecutive year. The report emphasizes the impact of caring and sharing on happiness, highlighting how sharing meals increases happiness. It also notes a decline in wellbeing in the United States, which has dropped to its lowest ever position at 24th.
Arshin Kulkarni starred with both bat and ball to enable India prevail over Afghanistan
'When I was batting, I realised the wicket wasn't supportive for batters against spinners. I told the boys that 280-290 would be enough when I got back into the dressing room. I want to say that the belief, trust and talent is there.'
Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott said that they weren't aware of the net run rate (NRR) permutations which might have worked in their favour during their last group clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup in Lahore.
Female sport in Afghanistan has been crushed since the Taliban took over from a Western-backed government in August 2021.
Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said dew made life difficult for his bowlers and fielders during India's run chase in the first T20 International.
Rachin Ravindra lost sight of the ball in the floodlights when attempting a catch and was hit in the forehead during a warm-up match for the Champions Trophy against Pakistan in Lahore.
Images from the IPL 2025 match between Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday.
IMAGES from the ICC World Cup match played between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in Dharamsala on Saturday
With just a week to go until the start of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE, it sets up a tight race for the premier position for batters in 50-over cricket during the eight-team tournament.
A PCB official said due to time constraints between the ICC Champions Trophy and New Zealand tour, Aaqib Javed will continue as interim head coach.
Images from the ICC World Cup match between Afghanistan vs South Africa, in Ahmedabad, on Friday.
The quake triggered panic among people, with many in Delhi and the National Capital Region reporting shaking of furniture.
Starc's withdrawal comes after pace stalwarts Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were ruled out due to injuries.
IMAGES from the ICC World Cup match played between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Chennai on Monday.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was handed an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during their World Cup 2023 match against England.
The full implications of the India's refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan were laid bare on Sunday as Australia and South Africa waited to find out whether they will play their semi-finals in Lahore or Dubai this week.
Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has announced that he will retire from One-Day Internationals after next year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Jonathan Trott, who took over the coaching reins in July, said it was the result of some serious hard work to get their batting and basics right for the tournament.
Australia have enough experience and versatility in their line-up to get into tournament-mode quickly for the Champions Trophy following a difficult buildup to the One-Day International showpiece, according to opener Travis Head.
'India needs to score big because they will have to defend those totals without Bumrah.'
The ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan has seen a decline in attendance following the early exit of the Pakistani cricket team and the start of Ramadan.
South Africa's Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a back injury
Afghanistan wrapped up their best ever World Cup campaign with four wins and also sealed a place in the Champions Trophy.
Ackermann, who bowls off-spin, said the Netherlands would be cautious against sixth-placed Afghanistan's spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi.
Chance for Bangladesh, Afghanistan to produce that one breakout performance
Australia and South Africa, two teams renowned for their batting prowess, will go head-to-head in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, aiming to secure a place in the Champions Trophy semifinals.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances