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

Sharjah Cricket Stadium [X]Sharjah Cricket Stadium [X]

Amid the ongoing Test season, modern-day cricket fans will get a breath of fresh air as Afghanistan are set to host South Africa for a three-match ODI series. The first match of the much-awaited series is scheduled at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates. 

Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan have a robust squad, which is studded with outright match-winners. Despite missing their ace batter Ibrahim Zadran, the Afghans can challenge the Proteas across departments. While their batters can capitalise on Sharjah's familiar conditions, the Afghan bowlers have the ability to rattle the Proteas with their guile and accuracy. 

On the other hand, South Africa would hope for a spirited effort from their players in this series. As the visitors don't have Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, the onus will be on the senior players- particularly Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi and Temba Bavuma- to help them neutralise the Afghans. The eyes will also be on Tony de Zorzi, who has been sublime with the bat since debuting for the national side. 

So, as the stage is set for an epic clash, let's see how the surface at Sharjah Cricket Stadium will behave throughout the contest. 

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at Sharjah Cricket Stadium will offer minimal seam movement to the fast bowlers. Meanwhile, the batters will exploit the track's even pace and bounce to add some valuable runs to their tallies. 

However, once the ball gets older, it will be challenging to score runs at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The spinners will get significant turn and use it in their favour to make things tough for the batters in the middle overs. Meanwhile, the pacers will consider bowling more cutters and slow balls, with the ball expected to hold up a bit after pitching around the hard length. 

As dew doesn't play a significant role in Sharjah, expect the toss-winner to bat first and put runs on the board.