Afghanistan vs Netherlands 1st ODI Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Afghanistan will be taking on the Netherlands for a three-match ODI series starting from the 21st of January and all the games will be played at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha. This will be the first ODI series for the Afghan side since the start of the previous year when they played against Ireland and won the series 3-0. Mohammad Nabi has opted out of the series and this will be the first assignment for Hasmatullah Shahidi as the skipper of the country.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands did not have the best of times in the T20 World Cup 2021 where they suffered three straight losses and fell out of the race during the qualification round. However, they still have a lot of potential on the side and this will be a great experience to the side if they can beat a Test-playing nation. Their series against South Africa had to be suspended in between with Covid-19 taking a toll.

Match Details:

Afghanistan vs Netherlands 1st ODI

Date & Time: January 21st at 12:30 PM (IST and Local Time)

Where to Watch:  Fan code

Pitch Report:

This will be the first international ODI game played in the venue and the pitch is expected to offer a lot for the spinners. With the heat belting down at Doha, it is expected to be a sunny day and bowling first might be a better option in the venue.

Probable Playing XIs for AFG vs NED:

Afghanistan

Usman Ghani, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib, Ikram Alikhail(wk), Sharafuddin Ashraf, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb UR Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai

Netherlands

Max O’Dowd, Bas De Leede, Colin Ackermann, Pieter Seelaar(c), Boris Gorlee, Scott Edwards(wk), Fred Klassen, Clayton Floyd, Vivian Kingma, Brandon Glover, Ryan Klein

Afghanistan vs Netherlands Head-to-Head

Matches– 6, Afghanistan – 4, Netherlands – 2, N/R- 0

Probable top performers

Rashid Khan – Afghanistan

Rashid Khan arguably is one of the best spinners in the shorter formats going around globally and his numbers so far have been amazingly good. He looks completely one step ahead of all others on the side because of his match-winning ability with the ball and every team would want him as their first name in the playing XI.

Max O’Dowd – Netherlands

Max O’Dowd has been a revelation at the top of the order for the Dutch side so far and it is surprising that the 27-year-old had played just 8 ODIs since making his international debut in 2015. He averages 56 with the bat and a lot will be expected from him if his country has to do well against Afghanistan.

Today’s match prediction: Afghanistan to win the match

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.