'Never Going To Be Taken Lightly Ever Again': Resilient Afghanistan's Ruthless Message To Australia Ahead Of CT 2025 Decider

Afghanistan have justified their giant slayer tag with an excellent win over England in the Champions Trophy on February 26. The Afghans will now face Australia in a do-or-die clash on February 28 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium.

Afghanistan Will Be Up Against Australia In A Crunch Tie

Afghanistan have already showcased their mettle in the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup and have maintained its steady graph of progress in the Champions Trophy 2025. Ibrahim Zadran's scintillating 177 set up the perfect stage against England and Azmatullah Omarzai's five-wicket haul ensured they stayed in the hunt for a knockout berth.

Also Read: 'Sealed Another Memorable Win': Sachin Tendulkar Congratulates Afghanistan After Thrilling Win Over England In CT 2025

With England's elimination, Group B remains wide open and the Afghans will definitely fancy their chances against the mighty Aussies. Coach Jonathan Trott insists he is aware of Australia's threat but on the back of their superlative display against England, the Aussies will not take them lightly.

Afghanistan Coach Issues Stern Warning Ahead Of Crucial Tie

As quoted by ICC.com, Trott said at the post-match press conference. “Australia aren't going to take us lightly. So, we've got to be prepared. In the past, perhaps people would have seen the fixture and thought it was a little bit easier than playing a historic Test nation. But in this format, in these conditions, I don't see that."

Also Read: Joe Root in TEARS After Afghanistan Knock England Out of Champions Trophy 2025; Video Goes VIRAL | WATCH

The Afghans got the better of Australia in a T20 World Cup fixture last year and they will seek to replicate their plans once again. Trott believes their recent performance against the Aussies should inspire them to do well in the next match.

“Since I've been coach we've played against Australia three times and we've been in the game each of those games. So, we should take a lot of confidence from that. And I think certainly what happened in the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and I say this to the players as well, that Afghanistan's never going to be taken lightly ever again.

“I see every game that we play is going to be competitive and every game we go into I expect to win.”

The winner of the match between Australia and Afghanistan will either face India and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal.