Pakistan v Afghanistan 2nd ODI Match Preview
Just Before the start of the Cricket Asia Cup 2023 live action begins, both Pakistan and Afghanistan are playing the three-match ODI series as a warm-up for the big tournament. The matches will be played at the Sri Lankan soil where half of the tournament is scheduled. Now let’s discuss the match preview about the 2nd ODI match between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In a rather disappointing start to the series, Afghanistan faced a crushing defeat, surrendering meekly in the opening fixture against Pakistan. The lackluster performance left Afghanistan in a state of dismay, as they failed to live up to expectations. Let’s delve into the key moments of the match and explore the standout performances.
The Afghan bowlers showcased their prowess in restricting the Pakistanis to a modest total. Making the most of the turning surface, the spinners were the heroes of the innings, accounting for an impressive 8 wickets in total. Among them, Mujeeb Ur Rahman stood out with his exceptional performance, securing 3 crucial wickets. Additionally, Nabi and Rashid Khan made significant contributions, each claiming 2 wickets. It was evident that the spinners thrived in the favorable conditions, consistently attacking the stumps and maintaining excellent lengths.
Fifer loading for Vavar Azam, 💯🔥#PakvsAfg pic.twitter.com/RGIcD16eFr
— W (@_Depressed_Dani) August 24, 2023
While the spinners displayed remarkable skill, Afghanistan’s expectations were not completely met. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai are anticipated to deliver a stronger performance in the upcoming matches. Their involvement in wrapping up the lower order swiftly could have made a substantial difference in the outcome of the game.
The batting display from Afghanistan was nothing short of disappointing, as they succumbed to their second-lowest total ever, managing a mere 59 runs before being bowled out within 20 overs. The top-order struggled immensely, with three of the top four batsmen—namely Ibrahim Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Rahmat Shah—being dismissed without contributing any runs. Only Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai managed to reach double figures in an otherwise lackluster innings.
Despite their lackluster performance with the bat, Pakistan managed to seize control of the match with a commendable bowling effort. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, typically strong contributors, faced an off-day at the office, getting dismissed within the opening two overs.
These early setbacks did not deter Pakistan, as Imam Ul-Haq displayed resilience with a gritty innings, amassing 61 runs amidst the fall of wickets at regular intervals.
Transitioning to the bowling department, Pakistan boasts an exciting and formidable lineup. The opening attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, poses a significant threat to any opposition.
Haris Rauf’s inclusion as the third seamer further bolsters Pakistan’s bowling prowess. Rauf’s impressive performance in the opening match, where he clinched a fifer, sets high expectations for his future contributions. Notably, Pakistan’s bowling unit is widely regarded as one of the most exciting in the world, with its fast bowlers capable of delivering exceptional results on a variety of surfaces.
PTV Sports Live PAK vs AFG 2023
The second ODI match between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be broadcast on PTV Sports and A Sports while free live streaming will be available on Tamasha App.
Match Details
- Series: Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2023
- Date: Aug 24, 2023
- Format: oneday
- Venue: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota, Sri Lanka
- Time: 1:30 PM IST, 2:00 PM PST
ODI Squad
Pakistan ODI Squad: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir, Abdullah Shafique, Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmad, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr. Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi
Afghanistan ODI Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Irahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Wafadar Momand, Mohammad Saleem Safi
