Former Australia all-rounder Darren Lehmann made a light-hearted comment about his former teammate Jason Gillespie over a prediction about Afghanistan for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. Lehmann said the Afghan team will fail to qualify for the semi-finals despite playing in spin-friendly subcontinent conditions.
On Wednesday, December 31, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) named a squad of 15 players for the T20 World Cup. Rashid Khan remains captain of the global event. Naveen-ul-Haq returned after recovering from a shoulder injury. The selectors plan to field a regular and fully fit group for the event.
They’re not even close – Darren Lehmann
Jason Gillespie made a bold prediction for the T20 World Cup on social media. The former Pakistani head coach stated that the Afghan team would reach the final.
“Afghanistan will make it to the World T20 final,” wrote Jason Gillespie on X (formerly known as Twitter).
His former teammate Darren Lehmann said Afghanistan would not only miss the final but not come close, turning the prediction into a friendly online debate.
“I love you, Dizz, but they’re not even close, and they’re not even close.” Darren Lehmann replied.
I love you, Dizz, but they’re not even close. 👍👍🤣 HTTPS://T.cO/ZY9cRHNyouQb
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) JANyouARj 1, 2026
Afghans reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup after wins over New Zealand and Australia
The Afghanistan side had one of their best campaigns at the 2024 T20 World Cup, recording big wins over New Zealand in the group stage and Australia in the Super Eight. A thrilling win over Bangladesh later confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
However, their campaign ended disappointingly in the semi-finals, where they were bowled out for just 56. South Africa chased down the target comfortably and finished the match within nine overs.
However, reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup marked another big step forward for Afghanistan. Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, 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 opportunities despite his strong form. He played in only 27 Tests and 117 ODIs as the batting spots were occupied by the likes of 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 his retirement, Lehmann made a successful transition 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, becoming only the second person to win a World Cup as both a player and coach. Lehmann also won the IPL in 2009 as a coach with the Deccan Chargers.
Also read: Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad announced, Mumbai Indians star kicked out
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