World Cup 2019 warm-up match, Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Preview, predictions

Things do not look up for Pakistan, who have lost all 10 of their last 11 decided ODIs, as they take on Afghanistan in a World Cup 2019 warm-up match. They still do not know their best XI; their fast bowlers have not impressed – to the extent that they had to recall Wahab Riaz out of nowhere; and Shadab Khan is still recovering from an ailment.

However, a trend has emerged from these matches. Their lowest run rate in their four completed matches against England was 6.34 (they crossed 6.80 in the other three); and even during the Australia rout their worst was 5.42. And yet they failed to win anything.

No, it was their bowling, not batting, that has let them down during this phase – something you do not associate with Pakistan. And it must be remembered that they did not field a full-strength side against Australia.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, have played mostly Ireland during this phase, against whom they have won 3 and lost 3. They had done brilliantly in the Asia Cup before that, thrashing Sri Lanka and Bangladesh once each and tying the India match; their only defeats in the tournament were by narrow margins.

Their spin trinity – Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman – are all back from IPL duties. They took a match to recover, but were in full flow in the return match against Ireland. However, they will be tested by the Pakistan top order, one that features Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, and Babar Azam.

Head to head

Pakistan have played Afghanistan – in 2012, 2014, and 2018 – and have won every time. They have even their only T20I between the sides. However, they have never met outside Asia.

Key players

Imad Wasim (Pakistan): Stat alert: in matches against the participating nations since start of 2018, Imad has the second-highest strike rate (121). The performances have mostly been cameos, but you need to combine that with an economy rate of 5.42 at 8 overs a match.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Who else? Combative and supremely gifted, Rashid has put Afghanistan on the world map with his success in the T20 leagues. However, he has played just 13 matches against major teams, and it is time to shrug off that minnow-basher tag. And remember, he also has a 100-plus batting strike rate.

Squads

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Shoaib Malik (vc), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Sohail.

Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (c), Rashid Khan (vc), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Aftab Alam, Asghar Afghan, Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hassan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Najibullah Zadran, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shinwari.

Prediction

Pakistan should win despite Afghanistan’s triumph in the recent ODI against Ireland.