Pakistan and Afghanistan may not play for ranking points or to qualify for the World Cup, but their upcoming match could serve as an invaluable way of building bridges between their neighboring nations and strengthening ties between them.
Afghanistan’s victory against Pakistan has united Afghans from diverse backgrounds, transcending linguistic and ethnic divisions within their nation. Afghan cricket fans will cherish this momentous event forever.
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique
Pakistan have made an amazing comeback after an underwhelming World Cup start, defeating Australia in Perth before coming from behind against Sri Lanka at Christchurch before defeating New Zealand and moving up into sixth position on the table – victory against Bangladesh will be essential in reaching quarter-finals.
However, after suffering an eight-wicket defeat against Afghanistan in their final match of the tournament – an unexpected setback given they were amongst favourites – their chances of making the semi-finals are tenuous at best.
Babar Azam remains determined to lead his side to glory despite their initial disappointment, vowing to improve his form with the bat after an inconsistent start in competition. Team director Mickey Arthur stands behind him and believes that he is still learning his trade.
Fakhar Zaman may replace Imam-ul-Haq after he sustained an injury during their opening match against England; though only managing 12 runs, since then he has scored an incredible 264 runs over five games!
Shadab Khan could join Zaman as part of Pakistan’s opening batting lineup against England. The left-handeder was impressive against Australia, scoring two fifties out of three innings before Imam took over for the final.
Pakistan possess a formidable pace attack with returning quicks Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz both back on form, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed providing additional depth while Khurram Shehzad and Mir Hamza will complete Pakistan’s quartet of fast bowlers in Bengaluru.
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan
Afghanistan-Pakistan matches have always been hard fought battles, but Monday night in Delhi marked something special: for the first time ever, Afghanistan defeated their neighbour in an ODI. This momentous achievement for a nation still finding its footing as an international cricketing nation was celebrated across all corners of its borders with celebration, tears and stories of jubilation all throughout Afghanistan celebrating with their team.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran put on an excellent 87-run stand to set Afghanistan up for a successful run chase, before both being dismissed in the final over by Usama Mir. Their efforts laid the groundwork for their nation to meet its target successfully.
Afghani batsman Mujeeb Ur Rahman will miss playing due to an index finger sprain, while bowler Darwish Rasooli has also been sidelined with shoulder trouble and will not take part in this series. Abdul Malik and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar will provide cover in their absence.
Afghan spinners Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai pose a significant threat, adding depth to their attack against South Africa. But they may struggle to find their best form against them. Mohammad Nabi could step into Najibullah Zadran’s shoes at number four while youth Mohammad Nabi can add quick runs with powerful drives from his powerful drives; plus all-rounders Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan could add an unexpected element.
Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi made an immediate impactful debut internationally in April 2018 when he received T20I and Test call-ups for an outstanding domestic Pakistan Super League season. Recognised for his consistent line and pace bowling in Pakistan Super League competition, this 19-year-old seamer quickly established himself as an integral component of Pakistan’s bowling attack across all formats over 18 months.
He is also an excellent batsman and match-winner in T20Is, and an exciting player to watch as he has the potential to become one of Pakistan’s most potent and dominant all-rounders – boasting height, speed and skill that could put him ahead in world cricket.
At the first Test against Australia, Afridi displayed impressive batting and bowling abilities; however, Pakistan’s poor batting performance saw them lose by an innings and 89 runs. Afridi hopes to improve upon his performance and become even more influential during a Test series against a Victorian XI XI side.
Shan Masood will make several changes in his side for the opening Test at Sharjah Stadium and start on Wednesday. Afridi and returning quick Naseem Shah may lead a pace attack including Mir Hamza and Khurram Shehzad; Aamir Jamal may miss due to injury; Khurram Shehzad could possibly fill his spot.
On the eve of the second Test, all will feel an emotional impact from Afridi and Shahid’s fundraising efforts – raising more than $240,000 through social media campaigns for Afridi’s mother who is fighting cancer; while Olympic javelin champion Arshad Nadeem tweeted his congratulations. If you want to know more about sports like: football, cricket, kabaddi, polo and many more just follow us: https://sportsbyte.co.uk/
