AFG vs PAK 2023: Afghanistan and Pakistan will play a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka in order to iron out any flaws ahead of the Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup. Afghanistan and Pakistan will be competing in two upcoming major tournaments, the Asia Cup and the 50-over World Cup. On Tuesday, August 22, the first ODI will be contested at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.
AFG vs PAK 2023: Clash of Titans in 1st ODI
Last month, Afghanistan won a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh by a score of 2-1. It is not easy to defeat Bangladesh in their own territory, but Afghanistan was able to do so. In the second ODI, the opening partnership between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran was a record-breaking 256 runs. They will be crucial to Afghanistan’s chances, as a strong start at the top will give Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi the opportunity to express themselves further down the order.
Rashid Khan decided to forego the Hundred in order to rest his back ahead of a demanding international schedule. Now that he is fully recovered, he will be the player to monitor against Pakistan. In recent years, the talismanic cricketer has vastly improved his batting abilities, and confronting the well-oiled Pakistani bowling attack could help him evaluate his development.
Pakistan has been a formidable force in international cricket throughout the years, but they have only won the Asia Cup twice. India and Sri Lanka have respectively claimed the title seven and six times. Before beginning their journey in the eagerly anticipated Asia Cup, which begins on August 30, Babar Azam would be eager to inspire his squad to victory against Afghanistan.
Earlier in the year, Pakistan hosted New Zealand and won the five-match ODI series 4-1. Fakhar Zaman was the player in form for Pakistan, scoring 363 runs over the course of five games at an astounding average of 90.75. The formidable pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will be eager to make life difficult for the Afghan batsmen.
The pitch and weather
The average opening total in one-day internationals at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota is 249. Nine matches have been won by teams batting first, while 12 matches have been won by teams batting second. Pacers can be devastating with the new ball, whereas spinners can enter the game as the match progresses.
Possible Starting Eleven For AFG vs. PAK
Afghanistan
Hashmatullah Shahidi is unlikely to make many alterations to the team that performed exceptionally well against Bangladesh. Time is of the essence, as the Asia Cup and subsequent World Cup are quickly approaching. It would be crucial to give the primary players ample playing time, as the Asia Cup and subsequent World Cup are quickly approaching. However, the talented Noor Ahmad, who has rejoined the team for this series, will likely take his place.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Noor Ahmad are the probable playing eleven.
Pakistan
The top three batsmen for Pakistan are Babar, Fakhar, and Imam-ul-Haq, while the pace triumvirate of Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem are automatic selections. Recently, Salman Ali Agha has been a standout performer for Pakistan, and he will attempt to maintain this form. After a 16-month absence, Saud Shakeel has returned to the ODI squad. If he can replicate his Test performances in the 50-over format, it will augur well for the former World Cup champions.
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed/Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah are the probable playing eleven.
versus PAK To go head-to-head
Matches: 4; Afghanistan: 0; Pakistan: 4
Details on the AFG vs. PAK Broadcast and Live Streaming
Time of Match: 3:00 PM IST
Streaming Live: FanCode
