Afghanistan have the skill to challenge Australia in their opening match of this year's Cricket World Cup, but just lack the big-game experience according to Rashid Khan.
Australia will face minnows Afghanistan in their opening game of this year's tournament in England on June 1.
Afghanistan won just one game at their maiden World Cup in 2015 against Scotland, but beat Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the West Indies last year.
Khan himself is now the No.1 ranked Twenty20 bowler in the world and has spun Australian batsmen into a web in this year's Big Bash for Adelaide, while he's also been the leading-wicket taker in ODIs for the past two years.
Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have also impressed in this summer's BBL.
And while a shock first-up win over Australia would be extremely unlikely, Khan said it would only be the experience that stopped them at least challenging the defending champions.
"We have a lot of skills and talent," Khan said.
"The only thing will be the experience against the big teams. Like how we control ourselves and how we manage ourselves in such conditions against Australia.
"That will be testing us. Otherwise we have the talent and skills, but to do all those in the pressure situations will be the key.
"Let's see what happens. The more focus will be on playing good cricket like we did in the Asian Cup (where they made the final four) against good teams."
Australia will also host Afghanistan in a historic one-off Test between the nations at the end of 2020, after they were awarded full ICC status in 2017 and played their first match against India last year.
"Playing Test cricket against Australia in Australia. It's more than a dream," Khan said.
"Myself and the players are really looking forward to it.
"Really excited to play the bouncy wickets. I think wickets here are very tough to bat on, especially in Test cricket.
"I hope we don't play in Perth. I hope we play somewhere else on a good wicket and make some runs. And one that would be good for spinners."
