World Cup 2023, Match 22 | Afghanistan's Predicted XI vs Pakistan

image-lo1g584aAfghanistan is due to play Pakistan in the 22nd match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

Afghanistan (AFG) will be against Pakistan (PAK) in the 22nd game of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 23rd October 2023 at 2:00 PM IST. Afghanistan defeated England in their second last game & lost their last match by 148 runs against New Zealand. Afghanistan will be eager to win this game and move up in the points table. They are currently at the bottom with 1 win in 3 games. 

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Their batting is heavily dependent on the opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. The middle order needs to step-up and take resoinsibility in this game as Pakistan possess a world class bowling attack. Spin bowling is Afghanistan's strength and their spinners will play a key role at Chepauk. Here's Afghanistan's Predicted Playing XI for this game against Pakistan:


1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz 

Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be the main batter for his team. He has been in good form and Afghanistan will hope that he continues that in this game as well. Gurbaz likes to take the attack to the opposition and he can score big once he settles in. He has 159 runs in 4 games at an average of 39.75. 

2. Ibrahim Zadran

Ibrahim Zadran is more of an anchor in this Afghanistan batting unit. He holds one end and likes to score steadily. He has failed to do that in this World Cup but he's a very talented batter and will be eager to score some runs in this marquee event. 

3. Rahmat Shah 

Rahmat Shah will bat at number 3 for Afghanistan. He was in great touch in the Warm-up games but has failed miserably in the first 4 games of the tournament. He looked in decent touch in couple of games but has failed to convert the starts into big scores. He will be an important batter for his side.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain)

Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will bat at number 4 for Afghanistan. His current form is not that great and he needs to take responsibility. His strike rate is also way too low which affects the other batters in the team. 

5. Azamatullah Omarzai 

Azmatullah Omarzai has been the "man in-form" for Afghanistan. He has scored 130 runs in 4 games at an average of 32.20 including a fifty and has 3 wickets as well. Omarzai has been in great touch with the bat and has showed his worth with the ball as well. He will be a key all-rounder for his side.

6. Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi is a veteran for the Afghani team. He has performed consistently for years and will bat at number 6 for in this match. He will bowl his full quota and will be important with the bat as well. He has been in decent form with the ball and has failed miserably with the bat. He will have to be on his toes if Afghanistan are to win this game. 

7. Ikram Ali Khil (WK)

Ikram Ali Khil has played a couple of good knocks in the 2 games that he has played until now. He scored 58 in the first game against England and 19 in the last one against New Zealand. He is a busy player who scores majority of his runs through running between the wickets. 

8. Rashid Khan

Superstar Rashid Khan will be the backbone of his team alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Rashid can contribute with the bat and is amognst the best with the ball in hand.  He will be very important at Chepauk as the wicket is expected to assist his style of bowling. 

9. Mujeeb ur Rahman

Mystery spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman will be a key member in the playing XI. He picks wickets in clusters and will enjoy the conditions at Chepauk. Mujeeb can bowl in any phase of the innings. 

10. Naveen ul Haq

Naveen ul Haq will be the second pacer for Afghanistan. He has bowled well in this tournament. Naveen relies on his variations and cutters & the pitch at Chennai will suit his style  of bowling.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fazalhaq Farooqi will be the lead pacer for Afghanistan. He is a genuine wicket-taker with the new ball and bowls well in the death overs too. Farooqi can pick up a few wickets upfornt in this game. 


Afghanistan's Predicted XI vs Pakistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Ali Khil (WK), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Naveen ul Haq, andFazalhaq Farooqi.