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On Saturday (9th November), Afghanistan and Windies will play the second ODI of the three-match ODI series at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow).

Windies are currently leading this series by 1-0. The Caribbean side won the first ODI of this series on last Wednesday (6th November) at the same stadium. After losing the toss, Afghanistan were all out on 194 runs (45.2 overs) in the first innings.

In reply, Roston Chase and Shai Hope guided the Windies side to the comfortable series-leading victory. Windies chased down that target in 46.3 overs after losing three wickets.

Afghanistan, Windies — Windies won the first ODI by seven wickets (Image Credit: Google)

Afghanistan are desperate to end their ODI losing streak

Inconsistent top-order batting is the major issue for Afghanistan. The Asian side is badly missing the strong opening batsman like Mohammad Shahzad. In the last game, once again, Afghanistan openers failed to provide a good start.

Though Rahmat Shah and the wicketkeeper-batsman Ikram Alikhil brilliantly brought back Afghanistan in that game with the 111 runs third-wicket partnership, Alikhil’s unawareness broke that totally set partnership. Later, most of the next batsmen failed to provide minimum support in that innings.

Another major issue in Afghanistan team is Rashid Khan‘s recent off-form. In the last 10 ODIs, he picked up only three wickets. Once again, he finished with the wicketless bowling figures in the last ODI, where he also led the team. Also, in the Shpageeza Cricket League, Khan only managed to pick up two wickets in seven games.

Afghanistan have lost all their last 10 ODIs. With the time progress, the Asian side is feeling the pressure. Rashid Khan-led Afghanistan side needs to come back strongly in the second ODI as they can’t afford another defeat in this series.

Windies are looking to win their first ODI series since August 2014

Windies. Afghanistan — Windies players in the first ODI (Image Credit: Twitter)

After the disappointing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and the home series against India, Windies have finally shown some better cricket in the first ODI of this series.

In his captaincy return, Kieron Pollard didn’t make any significant contribution in the first ODI of this series. But the positive result was enough for him to restart his ODI career after three long years.

In recent times, the inconsistent performances are the major problem for the Windies cricket team. Kieron Pollard-led Windies team surely wants to grow up from this level. As they have got the lead in this series, Windies will not take any chance at this moment. Another victory will be enough for Windies to win this ODI series which will be their first ODI series victory since August 2014.