PAK vs AFG Match Preview

Imam Ul-Haq, who was struggling with his form, managed to turn things around by scoring a half-century. However, concerns remain over the form of middle-order batsmen including Babar Azam, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz. On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan has once again proven to be a reliable performer and is currently the top-scorer of the tournament.

Pakistan's bowling has been a major disappointment, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Hasan Ali picking up 24 wickets between them but being too expensive, conceding over 6 runs an over. Given the absence of a quality spin attack, the seamers will need to be more disciplined with their line and length. It will be interesting to see what role Usama Mir plays going forward, now that he has recovered from his injury.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has displayed glimpses of brilliance at the top of the batting order, but he will require improved assistance from Ibrahim Zadran. Similarly, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai have exhibited good performances in certain instances, but they will need to exhibit greater consistency in the future.

Rahmat Shah and Najibullah Zadran have not performed up to their full potential in the ongoing World Cup. However, Ikram Alikhil, who has replaced Najibullah in the last few matches, shows promise and may play a significant role moving forward.

Turning to the bowling department, Rashid Khan has unsurprisingly been the standout performer with 6 wickets. He has received commendable support from Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has 4 wickets to his name. On the other hand, Mohammad Nabi has encountered difficulties.

Naveen Ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi will commence the innings with the new ball. The pair has collectively taken 6 wickets, but they have proven to be quite expensive.

Weather Report

The weather will be warm and humid with temperatures of around 30 degrees.

There will be some dew during the second half. 

Pitch Report

The pitch in Chennai is well-balanced and offers something for everyone. The surface will likely be dry and devoid of any grass. The ball comes nicely onto the bat and the batsmen will get to play their shots. However, the ball does swing a bit early on, while the wrist spinners will get some turn.

Notable stats

Imam ul Haq: Player to Watch

Imam ul-Haq has an excellent record against Afghanistan and has scored 3 half-centuries in his 5 innings against them. He has scored an aggregate of 281 runs against them at a strike rate of 73.18.

Team News

There are no updates regarding injuries from either side. 

 

PAK vs AFG Probable 11

PAK Playing 11

  • Abdullah Shafique
  • Imam Ul-Haq
  • Babar Azam (C)
  • Mohammad Rizwan (Wk)
  • Iftikhar Ahmed
  • Saud Shakeel
  • Mohammad Nawaz
  • Hasan Ali
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi
  • Usama Mir
  • Haris Rauf

AFG Playing 11

  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz
  • Ibrahim Zadran
  • Rahmat Shah
  • Hashmatullah Shahidi (C)
  • Azmatullah Omarzai
  • Ikram Alikhil (Wk)
  • Mohammad Nabi
  • Rashid Khan
  • Mujeeb Ur Rahman
  • Fazalhaq Farooqi
  • Naveen Ul-Haq
This is not the official playing 11 for the match. This is a prediction of the expected playing 11 for each team based on the writers analysis.

Dream11 Prediction

We are backing Pakistan to win here. Despite losing the last two matches, they remain one of the stronger sides and we expect them to make a strong comeback. Pakistan enjoys an unbeaten record against Afghanistan in ODIs and that will give the team plenty of confidence heading into this contest. 

 

Top Picks

Mohammad Rizwan: Rizwan is in red-hot form and is the leading run-scorer for this World Cup. He has scored 294 runs in 4 matches at an average of 98.00.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Afridi has an excellent record against Afghanistan and has picked up 12 wickets against them at an average of 15.25.

Rashid Khan: Khan is the top bowler for Afghanistan and has picked up 6 wickets in 4 matches at a strike rate of 36.50. 

 

PAK vs AFG Dream11 Team 1

Keeper: M Rizwan (C), R Gurbaz

Batters: B Azam, I Haq, I Zadran, A Shafique

All-rounders: A Omerzai

Bowlers: Rashid-Khan, S Afridi (VC), H Rauf, H Ali

PAK vs AFG Dream11 Prediction - OCB Team Prediction