CWC 2023: Pakistan vs Afghanistan match preview

Pakistan have suffered two significant defeats after winning their first two games of the World Cup. They now have to bounce back soon if they are to keep their semi-final hopes on track. Shadab Khan was dropped for Usama Mir in the last match but the latter didn’t have a great outing. Pakistan can be tempted to go back to Shadab. The rest of the lineup is expected to be the same.

Afghanistan have not had a lot to show for in the World Cup except the historic victory against England. Chennai is supposed to be one of the venues that will suit their strengths. With just one win from four games, they are in do-or-die territory and will have to pull up their socks. They have run Pakistan close on several occasions in the past but have rarely beaten them. They’ll need to cross the hurdle this time if they are to stay alive.

PAK vs AFG fantasy tips

# Mohammad Rizwan has been in tremendous form at the World Cup. His lowest score from four outings has been 46. Being a brilliant player of spin, he should be a certain pick in your side for the Chennai game.

# Babar Azam has a poor record against Rashid Khan. He has been dismissed thrice by Rashid in international cricket at an average of 19. Plus, he is not in great form either. He can be avoided.

# Hasan Ali has picked seven wickets from four matches at the World Cup. He has gone for runs, but has also been in good wicket-taking form, which is what fetches you points. He should be in your XI.

# Mujeeb Ur Rahman has taken nine wickets from five ODIs against Pakistan at an average of 21.7. He should be in your side as he can trouble the Pakistan top order with the new ball.

Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Predicted XI

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gubaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq.

PAK vs AFG: Dream11 team

Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil

Batters: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ibrahim Zadran, Abdullah Shafique

All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Nawaz

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Hasan Ali, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Captaincy options: Mohammad Rizwan, Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Potential swaps: Shaheen Afridi forHashmatullah Shahidi, Saud Shakeel for Ikram Alikhil.