World Cup 2023 | PAK vs AFG, Match 22 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lo1a8rimPakistan will be playing against Afghanistan in the 22nd Match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

Asian sides Pakistan (PAK) and Afghanistan (AFG) square off against each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. Match No. 22 is all set to take place on Monday, October 23, 2023, at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai at 14:00 PM IST. The Men in Green have registered two victories so far in the campaign while the Afghans have one win to their name out of the four games played by them. Before this exciting fixture goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this tie. 

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PAK vs AFG, 22nd Match: Venue Analysis

The 22-yard at MA Chidambaram stadium is known for its slow tempo. The spinners are quite effective as they get a good amount of help from the track. Chasing sides have won two out of the three games played in this WC.

MA Chidambaram Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 26
Matches Won Batting First: 15
Matches Won Batting Second: 10
No Result: 1

Average First Innings Total: 234
Average Second Innings Total: 217

World Cup 2023 Record

Matches: 3
Matches Won Batting First: 1
Matches Won Batting Second: 2

Average First Innings Total: 244
Average Second Innings Total: 196
Highest Total Recorded: 288/6 by New Zealand vs Afghanistan
Lowest Total Recorded: 139/10 by Afghanistan vs New Zealand


PAK vs AFG, 22nd Match - Toss Factor

As mentioned above, the pitch sustains a slower tempo, providing an added advantage to the spinners. As the game progresses, the surface tends to marginally enhance. As it known for its spin-friendly nature, it is one of the few grounds where bowlers dominate a bit.

Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First

The Chennai track is known to be supportive to spinners. Knowing the nature of the surface, the spin bowlers will have a huge rule to play in this contest. Pakistan dropped Shadab Khan for Usama Mir in their last game against Australia but the decision backfired them as the latter went for 82 runs in his nine-over spell. They might bring back Shadab and he could return to form against this Afghan side. Man in form Mohammad Rizwan will again have the responsibility to guide his side to a win in a run-chase.

Scenario: If Afghanistan Fields First

Afghanistan spinners Mujeeb ur Rahman, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi picked up eight wickets between them as they registered a historic victory over England in Delhi. The trio will look to repeat the heroics against the Men in Green on a spinning Chennai strip. The three spinners might become more lethal against their Asian neighbors.


PAK vs AFG, 22nd Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Afghanistan Fields First

Rashid Khan (AFG)

Spin King Rashid Khan is the leading wicket-taker for the Afghans so far in this WC. The 25-year old has snared six scalps in four outings at an economy rate of just 5.06. One of the best leg spinners going around in the world right now, Rashid will be an important player with the Afghans looking to bowl Pakistan out early if they field first.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Dashing right-handed opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the leading run-scorer so far for Afghanistan in this campaign. The destructive opener is averaging 40 with one half-century to his name. His team will rely heavily on him to provide a quick and solid start if they are facing a big target.


Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First

Imam-Ul-Haq (PAK)

Imam-ul-Haq got dismissed on two short balls for scores of 12 and 15 in the first two matches. The left-handed opener looked in some touch against arch-rivals India in Ahmedabad where he amassed 36 runs. He finally brought up his first fifty of the campaign when he struck 70 against Australia last time out. Pakistan will hope that he deliver again by getting a significant score in the run-chase.

Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)

Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan is the mainstay of Pakistan's middle-order. The right-handed player has performed in each of the four innings so far in this WC with knocks of 68, 131*, 49 and 46. He has smashed the most runs for his side and will look to continue his good form in this fixture as well.  The Men in Green will be reliant on Rizwan again especially in a big run-chase.


PAK vs AFG, 22nd Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Babar Azam (PAK)

Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has managed to rack up just 83 runs in four innings in this global event. The no. three right-handed player is averaging 21 with only one fifty to his name. Considered as one of the best modern-day greats, captain Babar is a risky but worthy pick for Afghanistan clash.

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)

Opening batter Ibrahim Zadran has got starts in each of the four matches so far. The right-handed player has mustered scores of 22, 22, 28 and 14. He hasn't looked out of form but has just not able to convert the starts into a substantial score. Zadran is a risky but might be a wise pick for this fixture.