ICC World Cup 2019, Match 4: Afghanistan vs Australia- Match Prediction
Jun 25, 2019 at 12:21 AM
After a couple of exceptional performances from England and West Indies, we are ready for the first doubleheader of the 2019 World Cup. Minnows Afghanistan is all set to face the defending champions Australia in their first match of the showpiece event. Both teams have some special players in their ranks but there is no doubt that Australia will start as the outright favourites for the clash.
The defending champions haven’t been at the best of form of late but the recent series victories against India and Pakistan will surely keep them in a good shape as they meet Afghanistan in their opening clash. The inclusion of David Warner and Steve Smith will surely add depth to the batting line-up. Warner was in special form during the IPL and made a statement with his consistency during the course of the tournament
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The likes of Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja will look to provide solidity in the middle overs while Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis will be the two main aggressors in the Aussie team. Maxwell might be the X factor for Australia with his power hitting skills. The bowling department for Australia will be led by Mitchell Starc who finished as the leading wicket-taker in the 2015 World Cup.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, the spin department will be led by Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa. In all likelihood, Zampa will be preferred choice and he will definitely look to make a mark against the Afghans. Afghanistan on the other will be led by Gulbadin Naib who was appointed the skipper just prior to the showpiece event.
Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan will be the X factor for them and will play a big role if Afghanistan hopes to cause a few upsets during the course of the tournament. The middle order batting line-up is impressive and will be led by Asghar Afghan, the former skipper. He is an important cog in the team as his input will be vital for the minnows.
Time and Location:
The 4th World Cup match will be played at the County Ground in Bristol from 6 pm IST.
Weather Report:
In England, it’s really hard to predict the weather. Temperature is expected to be around 15 to 20 degrees and it is expected to be a perfect day for cricket. As per weather report, there is 10 per cent chances of rain.
Pitch Report:
The pitch is expected to suit the faster bowlers at the start of the innings but it is expected to even out as the match progresses. But in the latter half, the pitch is expected to be batting friendly and a score of over 300 should be expected in a small ground like Bristol.
Match Prediction
There is certainly no doubt about the fact that Australia will start as the favourites but I have a gut feeling that Afghanistan might cause a major upset tomorrow. It might sound outrageous but who knows my prediction might come true today.