Pakistan and Afghanistan will face off in a crucial Cricket World Cup 2023 match on Monday, October 23rd, at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Pakistan are currently fifth in the points table with two wins and two losses, while Afghanistan are ninth with just one win over England so far.
Pakistan has a dominant 7-0 head-to-head record against Afghanistan in ODIs. This includes Pakistan’s only World Cup meeting against Afghanistan which they won by 3 wickets in 2019. However, Afghanistan have shown signs of improvement in recent years, and they will be looking to upset the odds and register their first ever World Cup win over Pakistan.
This is an extremely important match for both sides as they aim to boost their semi-final qualification chances in the wide-open standings. An intriguing contest awaits between an experienced Pakistan unit and a passionate Afghanistan side at spin-friendly Chepauk.
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Afghanistan Overview
Afghanistan possesses a talented yet inexperienced team full of exciting young players. They have a promising batting lineup led by the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Their bowling attack boasts match-winners like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
However, Afghanistan’s fielding has let them down hugely, with multiple dropped catches costing them in both batting and bowling. They also lack the middle-order experience and bowling versatility of top teams.
But Afghanistan should take heart from their thrilling win over former champions England. If their batting fires adequately, and their star leg-spinner Rashid strikes form, Afghanistan can potentially cause more World Cup upsets.
They will need substantial contributions from both senior players and talented youngsters to challenge an experienced Pakistan outfit. But Afghanistan should not be taken lightly.
Pakistan Overview
Pakistan possesses a strong batting lineup, led by the likes of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq. They also have a versatile bowling attack, with Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf all capable of taking wickets.
However, Pakistan have been inconsistent so far at this World Cup. They have looked brilliant in patches, but have also suffered batting collapses on occasions. Their over-reliance on Babar and Rizwan remains an issue.
Pakistan will hope seniors like Fakhar, Rauf and Afridi can step up to complement the skipper Babar. This is a must-win game for Pakistan’s semi-final chances, so they will be under pressure to avoid any more slip-ups.
Afghanistan vs. Pakistan Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for Pakistan:
- Babar Azam (C)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Saud Shakeel
- Agha Salman
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Wasim
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
Expected Starting XI for Afghanistan:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Ikram Alikhil (wk)
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
Afghanistan vs. Pakistan Head-to-Head
Pakistan enjoys complete dominance over Afghanistan, having won all 7 ODI meetings between the two nations. This includes Pakistan’s 3 wicket win in their only previous World Cup clash during the 2019 edition.
Pakistan’s recent superiority has been built around strong batting performances from the likes of Azam, Zaman, and Hafeez. Their varied bowling attack led by Afridi, Rauf and Shadab has simply proved too good for Afghanistan over the years.
However, Afghanistan did shock Pakistan in their recent t20 form where they successfully won 3 out of their 7 matches against Pakistan. So they have demonstrated ability to upset Pakistan.
Considering Pakistan’s vast edge in experience and firepower, they deserve to start as firm favorites. But Afghanistan should not be underestimated, especially in spin-friendly Chennai conditions.
Weather & Pitch Report
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai generally produces spin-friendly conditions with the weather being hot and humid. Temperatures will likely be around 31-32 deg Celsius on match day.
The dry and dusty pitch is expected to grip, turn and keep low early on before slowing down further. Batting against the newer ball can be challenging but gets easier as the innings progresses.
Spin bowlers will extract sharp turn and get good purchase off the surface. The shorter square boundaries also encourage aggressive batting. Dew may aid strokeplay in the second innings.
Considering Chennai’s dynamics, the match will likely be relatively low-scoring. Anything around 240-250 could be par batting first. The key will be adaptability and smart batting to prevail.
The toss-winning captain may opt to chase by bowling first and restricting the opposition before accelerating under lights. Overall, the conditions seem to slightly favor Afghanistan’s spin expertise.
Pakistan vs. Afghanistan Prediction
This is a difficult match to predict with both teams possessing quality but plagued by inconsistency so far. However, Pakistan’s superior experience and firepower makes them slight favorites.
If Babar and Rizwan fire, Pakistan can set huge totals beyond Afghanistan’s reach. Their varied bowling attack also has more cutting edge than the Afghans’ spin reliant unit.
But Afghanistan are no pushovers and have the X-factor players in Gurbaz, Zadran and Rashid to potentially derail Pakistan. Their spinners could also pose problems if they find rhythm on the dry Chennai pitch.
Considering the must-win stakes, expect plenty of twists before one team edges ahead at the end. Pakistan have more match-winners but Afghanistan should push them close.
Prediction: Pakistan to narrowly beat Afghanistan in another thriller between the sides.
PAK vs. AFG Betting Tip
Babar Azam’s class means he remains a strong top scorer candidate despite recent struggles. Back Mohammed Rizwan to score over 45+ runs too at the top. Mujeeb Ur Rahman merits consideration for 2+ wickets given his form.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is worth backing as Afghanistan’s top scorer if he gets going. Rashid Khan could run riot on this surface. Consider him taking 3+ wickets. Afghanistan’s spin threat makes under 260 total runs a good bet. Pakistan should just about do enough to chase any target successfully.
This game is perhaps going to be another nail-biting contest between the sides. But Pakistan might just prevail in the end due to better balance.
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If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
