The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 is heating up as Pakistan and Afghanistan prepare to face off in the 22nd match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams are determined to secure a crucial victory and improve their standing in the tournament. Let’s dive into the preview of this highly anticipated clash.
Pakistan’s Campaign:
Pakistan, despite encountering setbacks against India and Australia, currently holds the fifth position in the league table with a net run-rate of -0.456. Captain Babar Azam will be looking to lead his team to a must-win victory in this important fixture.
Afghanistan’s Quest:
Afghanistan, on the other hand, faced a comprehensive defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their previous match. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi is eager to rally his team to an improved performance, both with the bat and the ball, as they take on Pakistan.
Historical Showdown:
In the 2019 ICC World Cup, Pakistan managed to secure a hard-fought win over Afghanistan in a thrilling contest. The memory of that match adds an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming clash.
Team Previews:
Pakistan Preview:
The Green Shirts are making two changes to their playing XI, with Shadab Khan and Mohammad Wasim coming in for Usama Mir and Mohammad Nawaz. In the batting department, Pakistan will rely on the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Captain Babar Azam, rookie Saud Shakeel, and power-hitter Iftikhar Ahmed to contribute significantly to the team’s runs.
In the previous match, Imam-Ul-Haq displayed excellent form, top-scoring with 70 runs off 71 balls. Abdullah Shafique also played a fluent innings, contributing 64 runs from 61 balls. Besides, Mohammad Rizwan added 46 runs to the total.
In the bowling department, the team will turn to bowlers like Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, and Hasan Ali for crucial breakthroughs. Shaheen Afridi was the standout performer in the previous match, claiming an impressive 5 wickets for 54 runs.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz/Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Usama Mir/Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
Afghanistan Preview:
In the batting department, Afghanistan will look to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, wicket-keeper Ikram Alikhil, and Rahmat Shah to lead the charge.
With 159 runs at an average of 39.75, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been the standout batsman for Afghanistan this season.
In the bowling department, the team will bank on the likes of Naveen-Ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Fazalhaq Farooqi to provide timely wickets. Leg-spinner Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker for Afghanistan in the competition, with six wickets at an average of 30.83.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Head-to-Head Stats:
In their previous encounters, Pakistan has maintained a flawless record against Afghanistan, winning all seven matches. Afghanistan will be keen to break this streak and make a statement in this crucial World Cup fixture.
Weather Conditions:
The weather for the Pakistan vs. Afghanistan match in the ICC World Cup 2023 is expected to be favorable for cricket. A bright and sunny day is anticipated, with only a moderate breeze in play. This should create ideal conditions for players to showcase their skills and provide an exciting contest for fans.
Pitch Conditions:
The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is expected to offer a balanced playing field. Batsmen can anticipate a decent track to exhibit their prowess. The surface may also provide some assistance to the slow bowlers, making spin a key element to watch out for. This well-rounded pitch sets the stage for a captivating battle between bat and ball.
Toss Decision:
Both teams will be eager to win the toss and opt to bat first. Setting a competitive total on the board could put significant pressure on the chasing side due to the balanced pitch conditions. The past record of winning teams at this venue suggests that batting first is the preferred choice.
Prediction:
Considering the current form and performance, Pakistan enters this match as the favorites. With Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, and Imam-Ul-Haq in excellent form with the bat, and Shaheen Afridi showcasing his prowess with the ball in the previous match against Australia, Pakistan is well-equipped to deliver a clinical performance.
Expect Pakistan to clinch a comfortable victory against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Cricket enthusiasts are in for an exciting showdown in this ICC World Cup encounter.
Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan
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