AFG vs RSA Match Preview
Afghanistan has announced a 17-member squad that features a balanced combination of youth and experience. A significant highlight is the return of Rashid Khan, who has fully recovered from a back injury and is eager to contribute. His presence is particularly crucial as Afghanistan will be without the services of Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
AM Ghaznafar, who made his One Day International debut earlier this year, is expected to provide support alongside him. Ibrahim Zadran will be absent from this series and is likely to be substituted by Abdul Malik. The middle order is anticipated to consist of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mohammad Nabi.
Fazalhaq Farooqi is set to spearhead the pace attack, which may also include Bilal Sami making his international debut.
Temba Bavuma is set to captain a squad featuring several skilled players. Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, and Kyle Verreynne are recognized for their dynamic batting abilities and are expected to make significant contributions on the arid Sharjah surface.
The team also boasts experienced all-rounders such as Aiden Markram and Andile Phehlukwayo. In the absence of Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi will serve as the primary fast bowler for the visitors, with support from Lizaad Williams and Nandre Burger.
However, the spin department appears somewhat lacking, with Bjorn Fortuin anticipated to be the sole specialist spinner in the playing eleven.
Weather Report
There is likely to be some dew here during the second inning. In general, though, the tempertaures will be on the hotter side and make the players work hard.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Sharjah is well-balanced and provides equal opportunities to the batsmen and the bowlers. The surface is a bit on the drier side and the ball does hold a bit after pitching. However, the boundaries here aren’t the longest and the outfield is quick as well.
Notable stats
Omarzai: Must Have
Azmatullah Omarzai has proved to be a dependable all-rounder for Afghanistan in ODIs. He has scored 719 runs in this format at an average of 47.93 and has also picked up 18 wickets.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
AFG vs RSA Probable 11
AFG Playing 11
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wk)
- Abdul Malik
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Rahmat Shah
- Gulbadin Naib
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Bilal Sami
- Allah Ghaznafar
RSA Playing 11
- Tristan Stubbs (Wk)
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Aiden Markram
- Reeza Hendricks
- Andile Phehlukwayo
- Wiaan Mulder
- Lizaad Williams
- Lungi Ngidi
- Ottneil Baartman
- Bjorn Fortuin
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing South Africa to win this match. They are undefeated by Afghanistan in the white-ball format and that should give the team a psychological edge. Also, South Africa has a strong squad on paper that is up for any challenge thrown its way.
Top Picks
Rashid Khan: One of the best spinners in ODI cricket, Rashid Khan has an excellent record at Sharjah and has picked up 29 wickets here at an average of 12.07.
Tony de Zorzi: Known for his explosive batting, Zorzi has scored 276 runs in his 5 ODI appearances at a strike rate of 98.92.
Lungi Ngidi: Ngidi is South Africa’s premier pacer with 88 wickets in 56 matches. He has a bowling average of 28.50.
AFG vs RSA Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: R Gurbaz, T Stubbs
Batters: R Hendricks, T de Zorzi
All-rounders: A Markram (C), M Nabi, A Omarzai (VC), A Phehlukwayo
Bowlers: Rashid-Khan, L Ngidi, F Farooqi
