Published on: Jun 14, 2019 10:00 pm IST|Updated on: Jun 15, 2019 5:43 pm IST
A lot was riding on Afghanistan’s shoulders when they qualified for the World Cup after beating West Indies. Everyone expected them to treat them to some upsets in this tournament but now, this dream looks too far fetched.
With the change in captaincy right before the tournament, Afghanistan has not looked focused enough. Their match versus Sri Lanka was heavily criticized especially for their multitude of silly mistakes on the field. What’s more disturbing is the fact that their second-highest run scorer and wicketkeeper Shahzad Khan was removed from the team due to fitness concerns.
While Afghanistan is still considered an underdog team, their results haven’t been too worrying for cricket lovers. What’s more disappointing is the performance of the current South African squad. The dip is understandable since they lost their 2 best bowlers, Dale Steyn, and Lungi Ngidi to injuries but that doesn’t justify losing to Bangladesh by conceding 300+ runs. South Africa in the past has always been one of the favorites entering into the World Cup bit this time their exit seems to be evident.
Afghanistan is last on the points table with 0 out of 3 match wins and South Africa, just above them with 0 out of 4 wins (1 match abandoned).
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Competition – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
Venue – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Date & Time – 15th June, 06:00 PM IST
Where to watch: Star Sports & Hotstar
Average 1st innings score: 229
Average 2nd innings score: 213
Highest Total: 386/6, Lowest Total: 136/10
Highest Chased: 304/6, Lowest Defended: 169/10
Sophia Gardens usually favors teams who bowl first. 63% of the wins have come for teams that elected to bat second. A total of 27 ODIs have been played on this pitch. The RPO is just under 5.40 and RPW around 31.83.
Afghanistan and South Africa have never faced each other in any ODI matches. This will be their first encounter in the 50-over format.
Afghanistan’s recent ODI run (latest first):
South Africa’s recent ODI run (latest first):
South Africa have won the toss and have elected to bowl first
One change for Afghanistan, Najibullah Zadran is not playing, Asghar Afghan comes into playing11
No change in South Africa
South Africa Playing XI (confirmed):
Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Quinton de Kock(w), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis(c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Beuran Hendricks
Afghanistan Playing XI (confirmed):
Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Ali khil(w), Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib(c), Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan
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Rashid Khan | Mohammad Nabi
Q d Kock | R v der Dussen | Chris Woakes | Imran Tahir
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Suggested Captains: R van der Dussen, Q d Kock, C Morris, R Khan, M Nabi
**N Zadran is not playing. Please pick Asghar Afghan at his place