ICC World Cup 2019 Match 36, Pakistan v Afghanistan: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

The World Cup 2019 gets a new colour as Pakistan team get back to form with two back to back critical wins. This team may not have the big names like the past but in the last two matches, they have shown enough promises to make the fans hopeful for their semi-final spot. For Afghanistan, there were lots of pre-tournament expectations; even the chances of one or two upsets were not ruled out. But since then it came crashing down as they lost all seven of their matches and became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament. While the Afghans will try to put their best efforts, Pakistan will focus on convincing victory to enter the top four.

For Pakistan, a big change came in their batting. Babar Azam is in exceptional form, highlighted by the brilliant match-winning century against New Zealand at Birmingham. Haris Sohail is a revelation. Ignored in first few matches Sohail came back to team against South Africa and since then presented two match-winning fifties. For the openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman this match will be a good opportunity to play big innings which are missing till now.

Pakistan bowling led by Mohammad Amir is providing a good show almost throughout the tournament. Amir with 16 scalps is second in the wicket’s tally and it will be a great challenge for Afghanistan top order to resist against his swing and pace. Inclusion of young Shaheed Shah Afridi gives them a one-dimensional look to their fast bowling attack with three left-arm pacers. However, after his brilliant spell against New Zealand Pakistan are expected to invest on him.

There are already not many consistent performers from Afghanistan. The batsmen lack consistency. However, a lot will depend on the captain Gulbadin Naib and Rahmat Shah in the top order. An experienced Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shinwari in the middle order will try to stop Amir and co to run through the lower middle order in quick successions.

Another blow came Afghanistan’s way as their opening bowler Aftab Alam had to be replaced by Sayed Ahmed Shirzad for breaking ICC Code of Conduct. So a lot will depend on the rest. Rashid Khan’s indifferent performance has hurt them badly. However, Rashid bowled better in the last two matches and has the class to make a strong comeback. Rashid will expect to get good support from the off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman who picked up three wickets against Bangladesh.

Head to head:

Pakistan expectedly have a superiority as they never lost to Afghanistan. They have played three matches so far and Pakistan lead the tally by 3-0.

Key players:

Babar Azam (Pakistan): Babar Azam is the mainstay of the Pakistan batting and playing some key knocks. For Pakistan to reach the semi-final Babar needs to anchor the middle order and hold one end to ensure they put a big total on board.

Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): Mohammad Nabi almost changed the undefeated status of Indian team singlehandedly. His all-around ability is an asset for the team. With the pride on stake, Nabi can be the key person for Afghanistan.

Likely XI:

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi

Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (c), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Predictions:

Pakistan will win the match comfortably.