Published on: Aug 20, 2023 10:00 am IST|Updated on: Sep 1, 2023 5:48 pm IST
Just a few days prior to the commencement of the 2023 Asia Cup, Afghanistan and Pakistan will lock horns in a 3-match ODI series starting on August 22. The two sides will get a feel of each other before heading into the blockbuster Asia Cup tournament. Afghanistan had some success against Pakistan in T20Is earlier this year as they beat them in UAE by a margin of 2-1. But the same cannot be said about their ongoing track record against Pakistan in ODI cricket.
However, the AFG vs PAK Dream11 clash promises to be an exciting encounter as a top-tier Pakistan side will clash with one of the most unpredictable teams in ODI cricket.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan, Match 1 22 August, 1:30 PM IST Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Pitch, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Table of Contents
Afghanistan and Pakistan have only met each other four times in ODIs, with the latter winning on all occasions. The only time Afghanistan came close to defeating Pakistan in an ODi match was way back in the 2019 World Cup where late heroics from Imad Wasim saved the day for the Men In Green.
Form Guide
Afghanistan: LWWLL Pakistan: LWWWW
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium is officially the second-largest stadium in Sri Lanka. Hence it is safe to assume that boundary scoring will not be all that easy. Strike rotation on this venue will be key to scoring runs. The average score batting first at the venue is 249 and teams batting first have won on more occasions (8) as opposed to teams batting first (6). Hence, it will be ideal for either toss-winning captain to bowl first considering the slow nature of the pitch and the expansive boundary dimensions.
Last result at the venue
Match: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Afghanistan: 116/10 in 22.2 overs Sri Lanka: 120/1 in 16 overs
Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmant Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mohammad Saleem
Najib Zadran is out with injury.
Rashid Khan vs Pakistan in ODI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s overall performance in ODI & T20I combined
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Saud Shakeel/Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz/Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
At present, there is no team news available concerning the Pakistan squad.
Babar Azam vs Afghanistan in ODI
Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Afghanistan in ODI
Pakistan enjoy an unassailable 4-0 win record against Afghanistan in ODI cricket. Besides, Afghanistan are yet to register their maiden ODI victory against its neighbor. On the other hand, Pakistan are also high on experience as opposed to its rivals who have only managed to burst into the international scene roughly two decades ago. Pakistan head into this fixture as obvious favorites.
Wicket-keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz Batsmen: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman All-rounder: Mohammad Nabi, Shadab Khan, Rashid Khan Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
For Small League, Head to Head contest: Shadab Khan, Mohammed Nabi
For Grand League, Mega Contest: Babar Azam, Rashid Khan
Solidifying your bowling arsenal will be key here. This can be done by picking an extra bowler in the form of a spin-bowling all-rounder or a medium-fast pacer who can contribute with the bat low down the order. Rashid Khan and Shadab Khan are highly reliable spin-bowling all-rounders who are likely to play a major role in this game.
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Tags: AfghanistanPakistan