AFG vs PAK, 2nd T20I: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XI, Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Afghanistan won the first T20I [Twitter]
The stage is set for a high-octane clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the second match of the T20 series. After a stunning win in the opening game, the Rashid Khan-led side will be eager to maintain their winning momentum and clinch the series. On the other hand, Pakistan will be looking to bounce back and redeem themselves after a disappointing defeat.
Team Preview
Afghanistan
The first game saw Afghanistan's bowlers put up a stellar show, restricting Pakistan to a meager total of 92/9. Mohammad Nabi, who made a strong comeback to the international arena, was the star of the show with two crucial wickets and a match-winning knock of 38*.
Their spinners spun a web around the Pakistani batters, who failed to find their rhythm and surrendered meekly. Rashid’s men will look to replicate their performance from the previous game and clinch the series.
Pakistan
On the flip side, Pakistan's batters had a day to forget, as they were no match for the Afghan spinners. They struggled to find their feet and were left wanting against the skilled bowling attack. However, with the series on the line, they will be looking to redeem themselves and put up a much-improved batting performance in the upcoming game.
On the bowling front, Pakistan's Ihsanullah impressed with his pace and bagged two crucial wickets. He rattled the Afghan batters and put them on the back foot with his raw pace. But with Afghanistan showing their resilience and skill, the Men in Green will need to bring their A-game to the table if they hope to keep their series hopes alive.
Match Details
Date & Time: March 26, 09.30 PM IST
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with its balanced surface and an average first innings score of 141, promises to be a thrilling battleground for the two teams. The pitch has been known to favour spinners, as was evident in the first game, and the batters will have to be on their toes to counter the slow and tricky conditions. With the toss expected to play a crucial role, the teams will be hoping to make the most of their luck and take an advantage in the game.
Probable XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Karim Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmed Malik/Naveen-ul-Haq
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (WK), Shadab Khan (C), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan, Ihsanullah
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azam Khan
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Saim Ayub, Iftikhar Ahmed
All-Rounders: Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nabi
Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, Ihsanullah
Captain: Mohammad Nabi
Vice-Captain: Ihsanullah
Prediction
Afghanistan are the favourites to win this contest and clinch the series based on their form, experience and knowledge of the conditions.
 "Jatin")
