Former Australia all-rounder Darren Lehmann took a light-hearted dig at his former teammate Jason Gillespie over a prediction about Afghanistan for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Lehmann said that the Afghan team will not qualify for the semifinals despite playing in spin-friendly subcontinent conditions.
On Wednesday, December 31, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named a 15-player squad for the T20 World Cup. Rashid Khan will remain captain for the global event. Naveen-ul-Haq returned after recovering from a shoulder injury. The selectors intend to field a settled and fully fit group for the event.
They Won’t Even Get Close – Darren Lehmann
Jason Gillespie made a bold prediction for the T20 World Cup on social media. The former Pakistan head coach stated that the Afghan team would reach the final.
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“Afghanistan will make the World T20 final,” Jason Gillespie wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
His former teammate Darren Lehmann said that Afghanistan would not only miss the final but also fail to come close, turning the prediction into a friendly online debate.
“I love ya Dizz but they won’t and won’t even get close,” Darren Lehmann replied.
I love ya Dizz but they won’t and won’t even get close . 👍👍🤣 https://t.co/ZY9cRhnuQB
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) January 1, 2026
Afghans Reached T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinals After Wins Over New Zealand and Australia
The Afghan side had one of their best campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2024. They registered major wins over New Zealand in the group stage and Australia in the Super Eight. A tense victory over Bangladesh later confirmed their place in the semifinals.
However, their campaign ended on a disappointing note in the semifinal, where they were bowled out for just 56. South Africa chased the target comfortably, finishing the match inside nine overs.
However, reaching the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup marked another big step forward for Afghanistan. Before the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan will play a three-match T20I series against the United Arab Emirates on January 19, 21, and 22.
Darren Lehmann’s Impactful Career Despite Limited Opportunities
Darren Lehmann played much of his international career during Australia’s most dominant period, which limited his chances despite strong form. He featured in only 27 Tests and 117 ODIs because batting spots were occupied by players like Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, and the Waugh brothers.
The former all-rounder scored 1,798 Test runs at an average of 44.95 and amassed 3,078 ODI runs at an average of 38.96. He also contributed with the ball, taking 67 international wickets with his left-arm spin. Lehmann was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 1999 and 2003.
After retiring, Lehmann made a successful move into coaching. He took over as Australia’s head coach in June 2013, led the team to two Ashes series wins, and guided them to the 2015 World Cup title at home. He became only the second person to win a World Cup as both a player and a coach. Lehmann also won the IPL as a coach in 2009 with the Deccan Chargers.
Also read: Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad announced, Mumbai Indians star kicked out
