AFG vs PAK Match Prediction & Betting Tips - Aug 22, 2023
Pakistan and Afghanistan are all set to play against each other in a 3-match ODI series this week, as they begin their preparations for the upcoming Asia Cup. The first match will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota on Tuesday.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan head-to-head record
Both teams have played 4 ODIs against each other so far, with Pakistan emerging on top in each of them.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan Live-streaming and Broadcast
Fans from India can catch the live action of this match on Sony Ten Sports Network. One can also live-stream this match on the Sony Liv App.
AFG vs PAK Team Previews
Afghanistan
Afghanistan's performance is a bit of a mixed bag in recent times. While they did win series’ against teams like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, they found it difficult to overcome quality opposition like Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, Afghanistan has a reputation for being giant killers and will put up a good fight.
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurvaz are likely to open the batting for Afghanistan. Zadran is the leading run-scorer for the team this calendar year, while Gurbaz is known for his aggressive brand of batting. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will feature in the middle order alongside Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran.
Mohammad Nabi is expected to play well lower down the order and add important runs during the death overs. Afghanistan does have a pretty decent seam attack with Fazalhaq Farooqi likely to open the proceedings with the new ball. He will be supported by Abdul Rahman at the other end, while all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai will feature as the 3rd seamer.
Rashid Khan can be effective on the turning pitches at Sri Lanka and will be a vital cog in the bowling attack. As for the fifth bowler, Afghanistan will have to choose from either Noor Ahmad or Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Afghanistan Playing 11
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Abdul Rahman, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Pakistan
Pakistan has had a good run in white-ball cricket in the last couple of years. The team has won 4 of the 5 ODI series it has played since the start of 2022, including against teams like Australia, West Indies, and New Zealand. As a result, they are ranked the 2nd best team in ODIs according to the latest ICC ranking.
Pakistan boasts of an excellent batting line-up and has some of the best ODI batsmen including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan, and Imam ul-Haq. Azam is the top-ranked ODI batsman, while Fakhar Zaman and Iman ul-Haq are ranked 3rd and 4th respectively.
The team does lack a bit when it comes to all-rounders as Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz are the only two quality options on offer. The unavailability of Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafiz has left a dent in the middle order.
Coming to the bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi has shown excellent form in the ongoing Hundred League in England and will lead the pace attack in this series. He will be supported by Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. The spin department does seem a bit understaffed as Usama Mir is the only full-time option available.
Pakistan Playing 11
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf.
AFG vs PAK Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss will likely opt to field first on this ground.
Read our guide on toss predictions to learn how we analyze and come up with our tips.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota is good to bat on and has seen an average first-inning score of around 250 runs. However, the team batting first will look to set a target of over 280 to give their bowlers some breathing space. The surface is expected to be dry and the seamers will have to be spot on with their line and length, or they will be taken for runs.
The ball does grip the surface and the spinners will enjoy bowling on this ground. The skies are expected to remain clear with a warm and humid climate.
AFG vs PAK Betting Tips
While Afghanistan has emerged as a formidable force in ODIs in recent years, they are the underdogs for this match according to most betting sites. Pakistan has a formidable squad and should have no problems in beginning its campaign with a win.
Bet on Pakistan to win.
Bonus Cricket Bets
The pitch at Hambantota is balanced and not the easiest for the batsmen to score runs. No player from either team has scored a century on this ground to date and this being the first match of the series, both teams might take some time getting into the rhythm of things.
Pakistan has a formidable batting line-up consisting of some of the best batsmen in ODIs. They have also started playing in a more attacking manner. We are therefore backing them to hit more 6s compared to Afghanistan.
As mentioned earlier, Ibrahim Zadran is the top scorer for Afghanistan in this calendar year. He has scored 316 runs at an average of 63.20 and has scored 4 50+ scores in his last 7 innings, including 2 centuries. We are therefore backing him to be the top batsman for Afghanistan.
Who will win AFG vs PAK
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Match Predictions
Cricket Betting Tips
- Highest opening partnership - India W (1.55) and 1 more BANW vs INDW betting tip
- Total runs in the highest scoring over of the match - Over 22.5 (1.95) and 2 more MI vs SRH betting tips
- Nazmul Hossain Shanto to become the top batter. - 4.10 and 3 more BAN vs ZIM betting tips
- Delhi Capitals to win the toss - 1.90 and 4 more DC vs RR betting tips
We are eager to know what you think of our match predictions, if there is anything we can do better or if you want to let us know your own predictions for the match.