The 24th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will pit two Asian cricketing titans from Group 2 against each other. Pakistan will be hoping to ride the momentum after their dominating wins over India and New Zealand, whereas the Afghanistan side will hoping to upset their rivals and climb to the number 1 position in Group 2. Both teams are undefeated and among the top two of Group 2. Pakistan thrashed India and subsequently defeated New Zealand, while Afghanistan thrashed Scotland with a big net run rate that could prove significant later on.
Head to Head
Pakistan and Afghanistan have only played one Twenty20 International (T20I) against each other, in 2013. Pakistan won that match by six wickets with one ball remaining.
What to expect
Afghanistan
While Afghanistan’s openers may not be in top form, the rest of the batsmen, particularly Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Najibullah Zadran, can put Pakistan’s bowlers and fielders to the test in Dubai. Pakistan was immaculate on the field against India, yet sloppy and excellent in equal measures against New Zealand. Their key players will be their spin trio and they’ll hope to use the sluggish pitches of Dubai to their advantage.
Afghanistan likewise Pakistan is well-versed in UAE conditions, and their natural approach works well on sluggish surfaces. Their hard-hitting openers, Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai, as well as their spinning talents, should position them to pose a serious threat to Pakistan.
Pakistan
Rizwan and Babar, Pakistan’s opening combination, will be hoping for a repeat performance. Given Hazratullah Zazai’s form and prowess, Pakistan might be tempted to hold back on using Imad Wasim upfront. In Pakistan’s first two matches, Imad bowled only one of his 36 balls to a left-hander.
Pakistan will be looking to continue their dominant run and secure a semi-final spot. While Afghanistan may be entering the tournament after their own set of turmoil, how they thrashed Scotland in the previous game following their win in the practice match showed they meant serious business and would’ve served as a warning to every other team in the competition.
Fantasy XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (vice-capt), Babar Azam, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fakhar Zaman, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Shaheen Shah Afridi (capt), Haris Rauf
Rashid Khan (Captain): He has been a standout bowler for Afghanistan in T20 World Cups, taking 15 wickets in eight outings.
Mohammad Rizwan (Vice-captain): His last seven scores for Pakistan in T20Is read 91*, 63, 37, 76*, 46, 79* and 33.
Predicted playing XI
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Naveen ul Haq, Mujeeb ur Rahman.
Pakistan: Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi