AFG Vs SA, 1st ODI | Playing 11 Prediction, Preview And Live Streaming

Afghanistan will aim to force an upset straightaway [X]

On Wednesday, Afghanistan will lock horns with South Africa in the first ODI of the upcoming three-match series. The much-anticipated clash will take place at the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. 

AFG Vs SA 1st ODI: Team Previews

Afghanistan

Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan have a formidable squad that can challenge the South Africans in subcontinent conditions. Despite missing reliable opener Ibrahim Zadran, the hosts have a solid batting line-up heading to the series. While the flamboyant Rahmanullah Gurbaz brings dynamism to the table, the likes of Shahidi and Rahmat Shah ensure solidity in their batting order. 

However, their all-rounders make Afghanistan a team to beat, particularly in Asian conditions. While Azmatullah Omarzai can be their go-to man with bat and ball, the experienced Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib might pose a serious threat to the visitors with their incredible all-round attributes. 

The absence of Mujeeb Ur Rahman is definitely a setback for Afghanistan. However, they still have a potent bowling attack comprising Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Farid Malik to compensate for it. 

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South Africa

South Africa will miss a few crucial players [X]

On the other hand, South Africa will start as certain favourites to win the series, considering their reputation in world cricket. The Proteas have a solid top four, with Tony de Zorzi being one of their players to watch out for in the series. 

Although they will miss the services of Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, the likes of Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram and Kyle Verrynne are capable enough to neutralise the Afghan bowlers. 

While it will be interesting to see which player South Africa prefer for the all-rounder's role, Bjorn Fortuin is expected to be their wrecker-in-chief with the ball in the middle overs. The onus will be on Nandre Burger and the experienced Lungi Ngidi to lead the Proteas pace battery in Rabada and Nortje's absence, while SA20 fame Ottniel Baartman will also get an opportunity to cement his place in the ODI team. 

AFG Vs SA 1st ODI: Match Details And Live Streaming

AFG Vs SA 1st ODI: Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at Sharjah Cricket Stadium will be flat and conducive to batting. The pace and bounce will be even, while there could be a hint of turn for the spinners. Meanwhile, the pacers will focus on bowling more cutters and slow balls than seam-up deliveries. 

AFG Vs SA 1st ODI: Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, FazalHaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Nangyal Kharote

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi

AFG Vs SA 1st ODI: Winner Prediction

Although South Africa are ranked higher in ODIs, Afghanistan generally perform exceedingly in the subcontinent. So, given that South Africa are without several key players, we reckon the Afghans have a slight edge over them. 

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