World Cup 2023 | SA vs AFG, Match 42 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-loqwva7pRahmat Shah has been in fine form with the bat in the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

South Africa (SA) and Afghanistan (AFG) collide with each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. The 42nd match is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad at 2:00 PM IST. Both sides will play their last respective league match in the current marquee tournament. With 12 points, the Proteas have already qualified for the semi-final while the Afghans have to win this one and hope for other results to go in their favor to reach the final four. Before the game goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this fixture.

For More Fantasy Tips and Teams, Click Here.

SA vs AFG, 42nd Match: Venue Analysis

The pitch in Ahmedabad has runs in it as four out of the six innings have produced a total of above 250 so far in this WC. The surface might be more in favor of batters rather than the bowlers.

Narendra Modi Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 29
Matches Won Batting First: 15
Matches Won Batting Second: 14

Average First Innings Total: 243
Average Second Innings Total: 215

World Cup 2023 Record

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

Average First Innings Total: 253
Average Second Innings Total: 243
Highest Total Recorded: 286/10 by Australia vs England
Lowest Total Recorded: 191/10 by Pakistan vs India


SA vs AFG, 42nd Match - Toss Factor

Chasing sides have emerged victorious on two occasions in three WC matches played so far at the venue. The skipper winning the toss may look to bowl first to chase down a target.

Scenario: If South Africa Fields First

Marco Jansen is leading the bowling charts for South Africa so far in this WC. The left arm seamer has been consistent and will again will looking to pick up the wickets to restrict the Afghans to a low total. Wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock has been in great touch as he along with Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram will hold the key in a run-chase.

Scenario: If Afghanistan Fields First

The Afghans rely heavily on their spin bowlers Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad. These bowlers will again have a role to play against this strong and quality South African batting line-up. In-form batters Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah will be crucial if Afghanistan is facing a challenging target.


SA vs AFG, 42nd Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Afghanistan Fields First

Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)

Youngster Ibrahim Zadran is the leading run-getter for the Asian side so far in this campaign. The right-handed opening player has struck 361 runs at an average of 52 which includes one century and one half-century. The 21-year old smashed a brilliant 129 not out against Australia in the last game. He will be a vital cog if the Afghans are up against a big target.

Rahmat Shah (AFG)

Veteran Rahmat Shah has racked up close to 300 runs so far in this World Cup. The no. three right-handed batter has 294 runs to his name at an average of 42.00. Rahmat has smashed three half-centuries so far with the highest score of 77*. His twin fifties were crucial in Afghanistan chasing down their respective targets against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 


Scenario: If South Africa Fields First

Quinton de Kock (SA)

Quinton de Kock is having a dream campaign so far. The left-handed opener has amassed 550 runs in eight innings at an average of 68.75. The 30-year old has hammered four hundred with the highest score of 174. de Kock, who is set to retire from this format after the WC, will again be a crucial player in a big run-chase.

Aiden Markram (SA)

Aiden Markram has smashed the second-most runs after de Kock for South Africa. The right-handed middle-order batter has 371 runs under his belt at an average of 53.00. Markram has slammed one century and three fifties so far. He will have to handle the middle-order if his side is up against a challenging total.


SA vs AFG, 42nd Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Temba Bavuma (SA)

Skipper Temba Bavuma still hasn't fired so far in this World Cup. The right-handed opening player has scored 122 runs at an average of 20.33 with the best score being just 35. Captain Bavuma is due for a big score under his belt and this might be the fixture in which he gets to a significant one.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

Hard-hitting opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz has mustered 255 runs in eight innings. The right-handed player is averaging 32 with two half-centuries to his name. The Afghans will bank on him to get the team to a flying start in a big run-chase. The aggressive opener Gurbaz is a risky but worthy choice for this contest.