AFG vs SA Match Preview

After capturing some famous victories and running eventual winners Australia close during the one-day international tournament last October and November, Afghanistan's decision to seal the series ahead of the final game ought to come as no surprise. They have improved in all disciplines, and now have the opportunity to establish themselves as a major player ahead of next year's ICC Champions Trophy. Afghanistan has two players Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan who are still young but have a lot of experience and consistently deliver world-class performances.

AFG vs SA Match Details

Afghanistan vs South Africa – 3rd Match, ODI Match

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Date & Time: 22th September 2024 at 05:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AFG vs SA Venue Stats

AFG vs SA Pitch Report

Despite the bowlers dominating and the batters struggling, South Africa demonstrated the quality of the batting surface at the Stadium game.

AFG vs SA Weather Report

The conditions are expected to be very similar to what we saw in the first two games, with sunshine throughout and temperatures in the mid-twenties from start to finish.

AFG vs SA Last Five Matches

AFG vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Afghanistan Test captain Ben Stokes returns for Pakistan tour

AFG vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Afghanistan Probable Playing XIs

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ikram Alikhil (wk), AM Ghazanfar, Nangeyalia Kharote, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Topmost Picks for AFG vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Afghanistan

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Rahmanullah Gurbaz hopes to give the team a strong start in this match and take some pressure off the middle order.
• Fazalhaq Farooqi – Fazalhaq Farooqi put up a brilliant display on the slow surface, sending half of the opposition’s team back to the dugout in 8 overs.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Wiaan Mulder – Wiaan Mulder was the only batter to hold his head up high after hitting 52 runs of South Africa's 106. Another strong performance in this ODI and he could well be pushed up the order.
• Lungi Ngidi – He has to rely on accuracy on a surface where some low-boucne can trouble the batters. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AFG vs SA Dream11 Team:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Azmatullah Omarzai, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Rashid Khan(C), Fazalhaq Farooqi(VC)

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AFG vs SA Dream11 Team:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Temba Bavuma, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(VC), Azmatullah Omarzai(C), Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, Nangeyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Fazalhaq Farooqi, Aiden Markram

Vice-captain – Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai

Wicketkeeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz

AFG vs SA Probable Winners:

The gap between the teams has been far greater than expected prior to the series, and Afghanistan will enter the final ODI with high confidence! With all aspects of South Africa's play falling far behind Afghanistan's, we expect another comfortable win for Afghanistan in Sharjah. Considering the team combination, Afghanistan is expected to win this match.

AFG vs SA Match Preview

Everyone expected an intense three-match ODI series in Sharjah between Afghanistan and South Africa, but no one expected such a one-sided first match, with Afghanistan once again proving that they are a team to be implemented seriously in this format of the game. The Afghans can now complete a famous series win by winning either this or Sunday's third ODI, and after such a remarkable bowling performance on Wednesday, South Africa's batters will have to find a better way to deal with them in this game on Friday.

AFG vs SA Match Details

Afghanistan vs South Africa – 2nd Match, ODI Match

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Date & Time: 20th September 2024 at 05:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AFG vs SA Venue Stats

AFG vs SA Pitch Report

Despite the bowlers dominating and the batters struggling, South Africa demonstrated the quality of the batting surface at the Stadium game.

AFG vs SA Weather Report

The conditions are expected to be very similar to what we saw in the first two games, with sunshine throughout and temperatures in the mid-twenties from start to finish.

AFG vs SA Last Five Matches

AFG vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Afghanistan Test captain Ben Stokes returns for Pakistan tour

AFG vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Afghanistan Probable Playing XIs

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Nageyalia Kharote, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Topmost Picks for AFG vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Afghanistan

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Rahmanullah Gurbaz hopes to give the team a strong start in this match and take some pressure off the middle order.
• Fazalhaq Farooqi – Fazalhaq Farooqi put up a brilliant display on the slow surface, sending half of the opposition’s team back to the dugout in 8 overs.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Wiaan Mulder – Wiaan Mulder was the only batter to hold his head up high after hitting 52 runs of South Africa's 106. Another strong performance in this ODI and he could well be pushed up the order.
• Lungi Ngidi – He has to rely on accuracy on a surface where some low-boucne can trouble the batters. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for AFG vs SA Dream11 Team:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tristan Stubbs, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Reeza Hendricks, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan(VC), Bjorn Fortuin, Fazalhaq Farooqi(C), Lungi Ngidi

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for AFG vs SA Dream11 Team:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tony de Zorzi, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Reeza Hendricks, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram(C), Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai(VC), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Lungi Ngidi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Fazalhaq Farooqi, Aiden Markram

Vice-captain – Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai

Wicketkeeper – Rahmanullah Gurbaz

AFG vs SA Probable Winners:

We expect South Africa to perform better in the second ODI, but they must have to produce far more using their bat to trouble Afghanistan's strong and exciting team. We predict that Afghanistan will win. Considering the team combination, Afghanistan is expected to win this match.

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand has been abandoned without a ball being bowled. However, it was not the ideal preparation for the New Zealand team who will play crucial World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka and India. And, coaches of both teams felt it was "frustrating" and "disappointing" as well. 

However, this was only the eighth instance of a Test match being abandoned without a ball being bowled. However, it was the first ever instance in India as well.

"It's frustrating for us" - Gary Stead

"It's frustrating for us," Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach, said in Greater Noida. "It was our first Test match against Afghanistan and we were really excited about that as well. They've been great competitors of ours over the last few World Cups as well. We've had some great games of cricket. For us, we have the World Test Championship just around the corner in Sri Lanka as well. So, the preparation towards that would have been really useful for us as well. And the most disappointing part for us is that we've lost that ability to be match-hardened and match-ready when we go into our Test match next week. It was an opportunity to play Afghanistan. It doesn't come around that often. They have some unique bowlers in that as well. It's always good to get your head around how you face them and the way they play is a little bit different to other countries."

Meanwhile, Jonathan Trott, the Afghanistan coach, shared the same disappointment but opened up on player safety.

"There were a few things discussed but we looked at the ground today and it was never really going to be attainable, unfortunately," Trott said when asked if a limited-overs game was part of the plan for the fifth and final day. "There's obviously a huge desire to play cricket but the safety of the players - because New Zealand have got huge tours coming up - unfortunately, you've got to take that into account. So as much as we want to play cricket, we don't want anything to go wrong. We have got an important ODI series against South Africa and a few more before the Champions Trophy."

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

However, Trott shared the unfortunate situation at the venue which happened due to unexpected weather. When the covers were finally pulled off on the fifth morning, following that, the match had been called off, as the pitch was wet as well.

"It would have been a good contest, which is a disappointing thing" - Trott

"I think it's a case of time of the year. To try and play a Test match this time of year is always tricky. The facilities... obviously disappointed that we haven't been able to play and the amount of water that's come down is unprecedented for this time of year or the last three days," Trott said.

Stead added: "Yeah, look, I mean it's worth noting, I think, it's been 1200 millimetres of rain in the last week and even though it was fine for those two days, there were thunderstorms the nights before and the ground was just too soft and the umpires deemed that unfit to play on. So that's, sort of, out of the players' hands in a way as well."

"The real sad thing is, I think, it was going to be a really good pitch and it would have been a good contest, which is a disappointing thing," Trott said. "So, that's the most disheartening thing, I suppose, for all of us."

The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand has been abandoned without a ball being bowled at the Greater Noida Sports Ground Complex. However, This became only the 8th Test in the history of cricket to be abandoned this way. This match became the first Test in the 21st century to be abandoned due to rain in Asia as well. It was another day and the same thing happened as the persistent rains didn't allow Afghanistan and New Zealand to play against each other for the very first time.

The AFG vs NZ Test becomes the 8th Test in the history of cricket to be abandoned without a ball being bowled

Day 1 of the Test match was abandoned by heavy rain in the Delhi NCR region, which didn't allow them to take the field. The next day also witnessed a poor outfield with the ground staff taking out the grass from practice pitches to use on the main field and prepare for the game. However, the poor drainage facilities at the venue further added to the woes as umpires declared the ground as unfit for the match. The poor facilities, along with the bad weather, led to the game eventually getting called off as well.

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

In an official announcement, the Afghanistan Cricket Board said, "It is still raining in Greater Noida and due to frequent rain, the 5th and final day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand has also been called off by the match officials."

BCCI offered three venues to Afghanistan

However, this was only the 8th instance of a complete abandonment of a Test match. The first three took place between Australia and England in the Ashes in 1890, 1938 and 1970. The other four incidents happened between 1989 and 1998 as well.

However, the ACB informed that the BCCI offered three venues to them, which also included Dehradun, Kanpur and Greater Noida. Looking at the connectivity between Kabul and Delhi, the Afghanistan Cricket Board picked Greater Noida because it is near to Delhi as well. The Afghans will move to the UAE to host South Africa for a three-match ODI series now, starting next week. Meanwhile, New Zealand will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series before they return to India for a three-match Test series in October as well.

Afghanistan is reportedly set to host a one-off Test against New Zealand in September, marking the first-ever Test match between the two nations.

Since being awarded Test status in 2017, Afghanistan has played nine Tests but has yet to face New Zealand. This historic moment is likely to occur in September when the two teams meet in the longest format of the game.

According to the Times of India, the match is scheduled to be held at the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida. The report highlighted that New Zealand’s stance on playing bilateral series against Afghanistan differs from that of their neighbors, Australia.

Since 2021, Australia has refused to play any bilateral matches against Afghanistan due to the Taliban’s restrictions on female participation in sports. However, New Zealand has expressed no such reservations about playing against Afghanistan.

BCCI approves Afghanistan’s request

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has received approval from the BCCI to play its home games in India once again. This means Afghanistan will be playing their home matches in India after a four-year hiatus, returning to Greater Noida for the first time since 2020. The BCCI has allotted three ‘home’ venues to Afghanistan: Greater Noida, Kanpur, and Lucknow.

“Soon after the change in Kabul in 2021, when the Taliban took over, the BCCI was the first cricket board to support Afghanistan,” a source said.

Afghanistan was also scheduled to host Bangladesh in Greater Noida for a full-fledged series, including two Tests and white-ball games, in July. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided to postpone the series due to weather conditions in North India.

SEE ALSO:Watch: Ravichandran Ashwin’s favorite moment from India’s T20 World Cup win ‘He hugged the cup and cried’

For New Zealand, the one-off Test against Afghanistan will provide an ideal opportunity to prepare for their three-match Test series against India, scheduled for October-November.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be aiming for a historic win against New Zealand in the Test. The Afghan team recently shocked the Black Caps with a victory in the T20 World Cup last month and will be looking to surprise them once again.

Afghanistan has been one of the most improved cricket teams over the last decade. Their consistent performances against higher-ranked teams and impressive showings at ICC events have made them a formidable force in international cricket.

As they gear up for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan, ranked 10th in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings, enters the tournament as a dangerous underdog. With dry and slow pitches in the West Indies expected to favour their spinners, Afghanistan could be a tricky team to handle.

Afghanistan’s cricket journey

Afghanistan’s cricket journey is a tale of rapid progress and remarkable achievements. From playing in the lower tiers of international cricket to competing on the global stage, Afghanistan has made significant strides. Their notable performances in previous T20 World Cups, including memorable wins and competitive matches against top teams, have cemented their status as a rising cricketing nation. Recent victories over Pakistan and Ireland further underscore their growing prowess in the T20 format.

See Also: English pacer Brydon Carse banned from all formats of cricket; Here’s why

3 Afghanistan’s players to watch out for in T20 World Cup 2024

Afghanistan’s success in the T20 World Cup 2024 will heavily rely on the performances of several key players who have proven their mettle in international cricket.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a dynamic opening batsman known for his aggressive style. His ability to provide quick starts makes him a crucial asset for Afghanistan.

In previous T20 World Cups, Gurbaz has made significant contributions, notably during the 2021 and 2022 editions. His quickfire 28 runs against Sri Lanka in 2022 showcased his fearless approach.

Gurbaz’s role is to capitalize on the powerplay overs and set a strong foundation for the innings. His aggressive batting can put pressure on the opposition and create a momentum shift.

2. Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi, an experienced all-rounder, has been a cornerstone of Afghan cricket. His performances in T20 World Cups have been instrumental in Afghanistan’s success.

Nabi was pivotal in Afghanistan’s 2016 ICC World Twenty20 campaign and continued to lead by example in subsequent tournaments. His all-round abilities and leadership were crucial in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Nabi’s experience and calm demeanour make him a vital player. His contributions with both bat and ball, along with his strategic insight, are invaluable for Afghanistan.

3. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan, a global T20 sensation, is known for his exceptional leg-spin bowling. He has set numerous records and is a key figure in Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Rashid holds the record for being the quickest to 50 T20I wickets and is Afghanistan’s highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cups. Despite a challenging IPL 2024 season, his return from injury brings crucial depth to the squad.

Rashid’s ability to bowl economically and take wickets in crucial moments makes him a game-changer. His leadership in the bowling department will be vital for Afghanistan’s success.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 is just around the corner, and cricket fans worldwide are buzzing with anticipation. Afghanistan stands out as a squad full of potential and intrigue among the many teams vying for glory. Often regarded as underdogs, the Afghan team has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in the game’s shortest format.

Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad is a mix of exciting talent and experienced campaigners. Their formidable spin attack and explosive batting lineup make them a team to watch out for. However, consistency in the pace department and key batting positions poses challenges.

Rashid Khan’s leadership and the emergence of young talent offer promising opportunities, while the form of key players and potential injuries remain threats. If they can address these issues, Afghanistan has the potential to surprise many and make a deep run in the tournament.

See Also: IPL owner confirms Gautam Gambhir as India’s next Head Coach: Reports

To understand their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, let’s dive into a comprehensive SWOT analysis of the current Afghanistan T20 World Cup squad.

SWOT Analysis of Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Strengths

One of Afghanistan’s most significant advantages is their world-class spin attack. The trio of Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman can be a nightmare for any batting lineup. Rashid Khan, renowned for his deceptive googlies and quick leg-breaks, is one of the best T20 bowlers globally.

Mohammad Nabi brings experience and guile and can break crucial partnerships with his off-spin. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, with his unique mystery spin, adds another dimension to this potent attack. These spinners will be critical in the middle overs, where they can stifle the run flow and pick up vital wickets.

Afghanistan boasts a cadre of young, dynamic batters who can change the course of a game within a few overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with his aggressive batting style, can provide explosive starts. Najibullah Zadran, known for his ability to finish innings with a flourish, brings stability and firepower to the middle order.

Another strength of the Afghan squad is their tight-knit team chemistry. Many players have come up through the ranks together, playing in various domestic and international leagues. This familiarity and unity translate into strong on-field performances, where players back each other up and fight as a cohesive unit.

Weaknesses

While Afghanistan’s spin attack is formidable, their pace attack leaves much to be desired. Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi have shown potential but need more consistency at the highest level. Their inability to regularly deliver breakthroughs or contain runs could be a significant drawback, especially on pitches that favor pace.

Afghanistan’s number 3 batting position remains a concern. The team needs a reliable batter in this crucial spot, which leads to frequent changes and instability in the lineup. This inconsistency can disrupt the team’s momentum and put additional pressure on the middle order.

Despite their talent, many Afghan players need more experience in high-pressure matches. The mental fortitude required to perform in crunch situations is often developed over time, and this inexperience could be a stumbling block in crucial games.

Opportunities

Rashid Khan, one of the world’s premier T20 players, is set to captain Afghanistan in his first ICC trophy. This is an exciting opportunity for him to prove his leadership skills and inspire his team. His aggressive captaincy style and tactical acumen could be game-changers for Afghanistan.

The T20 World Cup is an excellent platform for young Afghan players to showcase their skills on the global stage. Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Karim Janat have the chance to establish themselves as future stars of international cricket. A strong performance in this tournament could open doors to lucrative league contracts and further their careers.

They are being perceived as underdogs that can work to Afghanistan’s advantage. With less pressure and fewer expectations, they can play fearless cricket. This mindset can lead to surprising upsets against more fancied teams, making Afghanistan a dangerous opponent.

Threats

Recent form is crucial in T20 cricket, and some of Afghanistan’s key players, including Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, need help finding consistency. If these players fail to regain their form, it could severely impact Afghanistan’s chances in the tournament. Their performance will be under scrutiny, and the team will be hoping for a return to their best.

Injuries to key players can derail any team’s campaign, and Afghanistan is no exception. With a relatively thin bench strength, an injury to a key player like Rashid Khan or Mohammad Nabi could be catastrophic. The team’s medical and fitness staff must ensure the players are in peak condition throughout the tournament.

While their spin attack is a significant strength, Afghanistan’s overreliance on it can be a double-edged sword. Teams with strong spin-playing abilities could neutralize this threat, exposing Afghanistan’s weaker pace attack. Astute opponents might need more balance in their bowling attack.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has made a strategic move by appointing former West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo as their bowling consultant for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the Caribbean and the USA.

Dwayne Bravo: A Legendary Career

Dwayne Bravo’s cricketing career is nothing short of illustrious. He played 295 international matches for West Indies, amassing 6423 runs and taking 363 wickets. However, his real forte lies in T20 cricket, where he is currently the leading wicket-taker with 625 scalps in 573 games. His recent stint in the ILT20, where he played a crucial role for the champions, MI Emirates, showcases his continued relevance in the format.

See Also: BCCI seeks Dhoni’s interference to select India’s next head coach; Here’s why

Impact of Bravo’s Appointment on Afghanistan

Bravo brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the Afghan camp. His expertise in T20 strategies, particularly in death bowling and variations, is expected to enhance Afghanistan’s bowling capabilities significantly.

Afghanistan’s Preparations for the T20 World Cup

The Afghanistan team has already arrived in St. Kitts and Nevis to begin a 10-day training camp. This camp, overseen by the coaching staff, including Bravo, is crucial for fine-tuning skills and building team cohesion.

Warm-up Matches and Initial Challenges

Afghanistan’s preparation includes warm-up games against Oman on May 29 and Scotland on May 31. These matches are critical for assessing player form, experimenting with combinations, and implementing Bravo’s strategies. The primary objective is to gain momentum and build confidence ahead of the tournament.

Afghanistan’s Group Stage Opponents

Placed in Group C, Afghanistan will face West Indies, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Uganda. Each match poses unique challenges. The games against West Indies and New Zealand are particularly significant, requiring strategic planning and execution to advance to the knockout stages.

Afghanistan’s Squad Overview

Afghanistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup is a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talents. Key players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Hazratullah Zazai will be pivotal. The squad’s strengths lie in its potent spin attack and explosive batting lineup, while its main weaknesses revolve around inconsistencies in its pace bowling and middle-order stability.