'We have 36 hours to turn it around...': Captain Marsh's message to dejected teammates ahead of must-win match vs India

Australia suffered their first-ever defeat to Afghanistan in international cricket. They suffered a batting collapse in the run chase at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St. Vincent and lost to Afghanistan by 21 runs. After the defeat, Mitchell Marsh did not blame the bowlers or the multiple lapses in the field for the demoralising loss which has made their road to the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal tough. However, he wants his teammates to turn it around as they face unbeaten Rohit Sharma-led India in a must-win clash.
 

"We certainly pride ourselves on our fielding. Can't question the boys putting in the work. I think it's no different to any other skill set. We put in the work, we didn't execute in the field tonight and ultimately it played a part in us losing the game,” Marsh said in the post-match press conference when asked about the dropped catches and misfields.
 

"I think we don't want to have too many off nights in the field but I also believe that at our best we're an unbelievable fielding side so it's easy to look at tonight and, yes, it was disappointing but ultimately, we have 36 hours to turn it around and I still believe that our best is very good in the field."

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Marsh wants team to move on from ‘off night’

Marsh trusts his team to perform with their back against the walls. He wants his teammates to move on from the loss against Rashid Khan-led side.
 

"We have a lot of belief in our group. We are a very good cricket team. Yes, tonight we had an off night, but I guess there's also a positive in the fact that in 36 hours we go again. I think if you look back at the short history of this team, I know for a fact that it brings out the best in our guys, so the boys will certainly be up and about for it," said the 32-year-old. 
 

"It's all about trusting ourselves. We've got a good bunch of people and I believe our best is up there with the best. So, we need to bring that on whatever day it is in a couple of days' time and move forward pretty quickly," he added. 

 

ALSO READ: 6.2 magnitude earthquake strikes moments after Afghanistan's historic win over Australia in T20 World Cup 2024, semifinal venue nearest to epicenter
 

Afghanistan pose a challenge to Australia again

If Australia don’t register a win against India, Afghanistan can knock them out of the tournament with a win against Bangladesh. However, if they emerge victoriously against India, Afghanistan will have to register a big win against Bangladesh to qualify on the basis of net run rate (NRR). 
 

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