In the match number two of the ICC World Cup 2019, Afghanistan is raring to go when they lock horns with defending champions Australia at the Bristol County Ground.
Earlier, Afghanistan have thrashed Pakistan by three wickets at the same venue despite losing their second game against World No. 1 ODI team – England. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be keen to put up a good show against Aaron Finch led side.
Overall, Afghanistan has some quality players who on their day could pile-up miseries for the opponents.
Besides, high-flying Australia won’t show any complacency against Afghanistan in their World Cup opener on June 1st. With the inclusion of Steven Smith and David Warner, Australian squad has emerged as stronger than ever before the kick off of the tourney.
Here’s Afghanistan’s Predicted Playing XI for Australia game in Bristol:
Hazratullah Zazai:
The southpaw Hazratullah Zazai has an enormous talent to go a long way at the top-flight cricket. Known for getting into the groove right from the get-go, he could be threatening in the powerplay overs.
Zazai has all the time in the world to pace-up his innings.
Mohammad Shahzad:
The wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad, who retired hurt against Pakistan after scoring 25-ball 23 is set to leave an impact in the ongoing World Cup. With never say die attitude Shahzad brings a lot of enthusiasm at the top for the Aghan team.
Shahzad is often keen to attack bowlers in a bid to put them under pressure.
Rahmat Shah:
Rahmat Shah will be keen to make things count at the World Cup. The right-handed batsman is a compact striker of the ball. He is also handy with his leg-spin bowling.
The promising cricketer is further known for bailing out his team. Well, mostly, his job would be to build-up Afghan’s innings.
Hashmatullah Shahidi:
Another exciting prospect Hashmatullah Shahidi, who played an outstanding knock off 74 against Pakistan, has shown his grit and passion towards the game.
Capable of hitting big shots, Shahidi is further known for caressing the ball on the ground. For Afghanistan, Shahidi is one of the batsmen to rely on in the quadrennial event.
Asghar Afghan:
Former skipper Asghar Stankzai is also known as Asghar Afghan brings a lot of experience in Afghanistan set-up. The top-quality batsman has done remarkably well for the side by playing some match-winning innings.
Najibullah Zadran:
The left-handed batsman Najibullah Zadran has to play a vital part in Afghanistan’s middle-order set-up. His innings will set the tone for Afghans in the middle overs in a bid to prepare to dish out the opponents at the fag end of innings.
Overall, Zadran is versatile with his batting approach and could lend his services to the fullest.
Gulbadin Naib:
Well, the new leader at the helm, Gulbadin Naib has the onus on his shoulders at the marquee ICC event. The prominent all-rounder for Afghanistan is capable of changing the complexion of the game with his power-hitting.
However, the primary focus will be his bowling. The right-arm medium pacer is known for taking wickets at the regular intervals.
Mohammad Nabi:
Mohammad Nabi‘s inclusion is crucial for Afghanistan. His experience in playing Australia and India would mean that he is set to impart the knowledge to the youngsters.
Nabi has been outstanding for Afghanistan, who further played alongside veterans of the game.
Rashid Khan:
World No.1 spinner Rashid Khan is set to bamboozle a lot with his remarkable bowling show. The young leg-spinner has made good use of the wrist to deceive batsmen with his variations.
Rashid, who often left batsmen guessing, has a chance to make most of the opportunity in the UK.
Aftab Alam:
The right-arm pacer needs to bring plenty to the table. Although Aftab Alam has experience on his back, he would be keen to generate pace in a bid to get mots of the batting-friendly tracks.
Alam has already shown he could challenge the top-class batsmen.
Dawlat Zadran:
Dawlat Zadran will obviously be a first choice option who will also have a responsibility to lead the bowling attack. Dawlat, who could make good use of slower ones. Also, it would be crucial to understand how a captain who himself is a medium pacer, will rotate his bowlers in their tournament opener.