Afghanistan Vs Pakistan, Match Preview
Pakistan and Afghanistan are two countries that have a lot of history behind them. Pakistan was crucial in helping Afghanistan rise to where they are now, but the relationship between both sides has gone down since then. Afghanistan is in the middle of a lot of domestic issues, but the side is putting in a lot of talent, and coming good. They started the World Cup well, and are looking really strong.
They are against Pakistan, who are unbeaten like themselves. Afghanistan have a massive net-run-rate, and their spinners were key in the first game. There strategy of relying on sixers came well against Scotland. With quality bowlers in Pakistan, it will be interesting to see if Afghanistan continue with the same strategy.
The two sides have only played one T20, but their recent ODI meeting had some spice. Both games went down to the wire, and Pakistan won in the last over. Pakistan are looking like champions this time around. They won both games comfortably, the bowling is doing well, and the batting is coming good. In the first game, the openers finished the job, and in the second game, Pakistan got a chance to test their depth.
They will be pleased with how Malik showed up, and Asif Ali finished. The two give Pakistan confidence that they have batting depth.
Afghanistan Vs Pakistan, Team News
Afghanistan is likely to stick to the same side.
Pakistan may have to replace Imad Wasim. Wasim is currently recovering from a knee injury, and in case he is unfit, he will sit out.
Afghanistan Vs Pakistan, Predicted XIs
Afghanistan (probable): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Mohammad Shahzad (wk), 3 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 4 Najibullah Zadran, 5 Mohammad Nabi (capt), 6 Asghar Afghan 7, Gulbadin Naib, 8 Karim Jannat, 9 Rashid Khan, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq, 11 Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Pakistan: (probable): 1 Babar Azam (capt), 2 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 3 Fakhar Zaman, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Asif Ali, 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Imad Wasim, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Shaheen Shah Afridi
Afghanistan Vs Pakistan, Players to Watch out for
Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik made his debut back in 1999, and is still coming good. He held the side together in the chase against New Zealand, and ensured things didn’t get sticky. He supported Asif Ali nicely, and the two took Pakistan home comfortably. With Afghanistan relying on spin, Malik will play a key role. He is a monster against spin bowlers, and his experience will be crucial for Pakistan.
Hazratullah Zazai
Zazai has managed to find big hits in a place where batting is tough. He is finding the ropes with ease, and is relying on his explosive style of play. The style worked through the PSL, and the warm-ups, and continues to help him in the Super 12s. With a tough bowling attack ahead of him, Zazai may look to keep the same approach and challenge the bowlers.
Afghanistan Vs Pakistan, Pitch Report
The Dubai surface has been good for batting. There is some spin and bounce, and slowness early on. With the game in the evening, dew will be a factor. The dew will make things easier for batters, and batting second will give the team a massive advantage.
