ICC World Cup 2019 will witness the match number 31st when Bangladesh vs Afghanistan clash unfolds in Southampton on Monday (June 24). The spirited show against India on Saturday will keep Afghan team in good stead. On the other side, the Tigers have put up a grand show against Australia following an attempt to chase Australia’s 382 at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan (425) is the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh, and he’s second on the list of this edition’s World Cup.
On the other side, Hashmatulla Shahidi has scored 186 for Afghanistan in six matches with Gulbadin Naib claiming seven scalps in as many games.
Here’s Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:
Hazratullah Zazai:
The hard-hitting batsman Hazratullah Zazai looked clueless against an Indian pace attack in Southampton. Zazai consumed 24 balls for his 10. He is capable of giving the best shot against the Tigers.
Gulbadin Naib:
Skipper has done his job with the ball, but he needs to continue to deliver with the bat. In the last two games, Naib, who has promoted himself will be eager to score runs briskly after 42-ball 27 runs on a relatively slower Ageas Bowl surface.
Also Read : ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Match 31): Afghanistan vs Bangladesh – Stats Preview
Rahmat Shah:
The composed batsman Rahmat Shah has got starts for Afghanistan at the top. He has scored 63-ball 36 against India. Moreover, Shah is technically one of the sound batsmen in an Afghan camp.
Hashmatullah Shahidi:
The left-handed batsman has been consistent for Afghanistan since the warm-up fixtures at the ICC World Cup. However, Shahidi faced 45 deliveries against India to collect 21 runs. The onus will be on his shoulders to bring stability in the middle-order.
Asghar Afghan:
Former Afghanistan skipper Asghar Afghan has got a couple of opportunities at the ICC World Cup. He will be looking forward to making his presence felt in the already inexperienced middle-order.
Mohammad Nabi:
The senior campaigner Mohammad Nabi has played high-quality innings under pressure on a tricky surface. The right-handed batsman scored 55-ball 52 to take Afghanistan as closer as close to India’s target.
Najibullah Zadran:
The promising left-handed batsman Najibullah Zadran is the find for Afghanistan. Zadran has scored valuable runs for the national team. He will be eyeing to produce a great show against Bangladesh.
Ikram Ali Khil:
The wicketkeeper-batsman Ikram Ali has looked dismal so far in the World Cup. However, given to his ability to play big shots, Ikram adds to the powerhouse of Afghanistan batting line-up.
Rashid Khan:
The star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has made a strong comeback against India following a dismal performance against England.
Rashid picked a wicket as he conceded 38 runs in 10 overs. Also, he will be ready to give his best against Bangladesh.
Aftab Alam:
Aftab Alam might have proved a bit expensive against India, but he has some trade of tricks to play with. The fast bowler can use a well disguised slower ball which will be handy against the Tigers’ batsmen in Southampton.
All he needs is to is pull up his socks to shoulder the responsibility.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman:
The mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has bowled splendidly well against the Men in Blue. He conceded just 26 runs in his quota of ten overs.
Besides, the promising off-spinner has a knack of picking wickets at regular intervals, and this is what makes him a threat for the opponent like Bangladesh.