The series is the perfect opportunity for both sides to prepare for Asia Cup 2023
The cricketing world is abuzz as Afghanistan and Pakistan prepare to play their inaugural bilateral ODI series on Tuesday, August 22, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.
The high-voltage face-off in Sri Lanka sets the perfect stage for both teams as they ramp up their preparations for the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023, followed by the much-awaited World Cup 2023.
The two sides have locked horns in four ODIs so far, and it's Pakistan who have kept their slate clean. Their most recent ODI clash dates back to World Cup 2019, where Pakistan secured a nail-biting three-wicket victory.
AFG vs PAK 1st ODI: Team Previews
Afghanistan
Afghanistan, led by skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, brings a string squad to the series. Opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will shoulder the responsibility of getting their team off to a good start. Their solid middle order featuring veterans like Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, and Mohammad Nabi will be a tough nut to crack.
In the bowling department, spinners Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad are poised to mesmerize with their deliveries, while Fazalhaq Farooqi will lead the pace pack for the Afghans.
Pakistan
On the other hand, Pakistan is also fielding a full-strength squad as part of their prep for the World Cup 2023. The Pakistan squad has seen the return of Saud Shakeel and Faheem Ashraf, with the former's impressive Test record bolstering hopes for a dominant white-ball performance.
All eyes will be on Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, who will handle the pace bowling department. Moreover, all-rounders such as Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, and batters Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-Ul-Haq make Pakistan a lethal side.
AFG vs PAK 1st ODI: Match Details
| Date & Time | August 22, 3:00 PM IST |
|---|---|
| Venue | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota. |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
AFG vs PAK 1st ODI: Pitch Report
The Hambantota pitch, known for its sluggish nature, could challenge the batters. Historical data nudges teams to opt for a field-first strategy, given the slightly favourable stats for sides chasing. Teams batting first have won nine ODIs here as compared to the chasing sides, who have emerged victorious in 12 matches. The average first-innings score here is 249, and the surface gets better under lights, which is why the captain winning the toss will look to field first.
AFG vs PAK 1st ODI: Probable Playing XIs
Afghainstan: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah
AFG vs PAK 1st ODI: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
| Wicket-keepers | Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
|---|---|
| Batters | Ibrahim Zadran, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Najibullah Zadran |
| All-Rounders | Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan |
| Bowlers | Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Fazalhaq Farooqi |
| Captain | Babar Azam |
| Vice-captain | Shaheen Shah Afridi/Rashid Khan |
AFG vs PAK 1st ODI: Winner Prediction
Based on their robust squad and balanced team composition, Pakistan are the favourites to win the first ODI against Afghanistan.
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