Afghanistan vs West Indies: 2nd ODI, Preview- Rashid Khan and Co aim to stay alive in the series

After being dominated by West Indies in the first ODI, Afghanistan will be looking forward to redeeming themselves to stay in the 3-match ODI series. But it won’t be a cakewalk for Rashid Khan and Co as they will be lined up against a formidable batting line-up. On the other hand, West Indies will be eager to sweep the series in Lucknow by registering a win in the second ODI.

After exhibiting a brilliant all-round display in the first ODI, West Indies will be hoping to replicate their performance. Ekana Cricket Stadium also witnessed the wrath of a daunting display of the visiting bowlers. Jason Holder, Roston Chase and Romario Shepherd dismantled the Afghanistan batting line-up by scalping wickets at regular intervals.

Afghanistan’s main objective in the second ODI will be to register a sizeable total on the scoreboard. Rahmat Shah and Ikram Alikhil were the only two batsmen who steadied the ship for them. Both the players stuck to the crease and smashed half-centuries to cement the innings. However, the Afghanistan batting line-up collapsed after their dismissal and could post only 194 runs on the board in 45.2 overs.

Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be looking forward to providing crucial breakthroughs for the side. Rahman, who picked up two wickets and conceded 33 runs was the best bowler for Afghanistan in the first ODI. However, Rashid Khan was not successful to add any wickets to his name.

Team Combinations

Afghanistan

Skipper Rashid Khan had stated in the post-match conference of the first ODI that Afghanistan failed to post a challenging total on the board. Afghanistan will be relying on their batting line-up comprising of Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan and Ikram Alikhil to fire off in the second game. Rashid Khan, who failed to shine with the ball will also be tested to perform in the second ODI.

Probable XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (C), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

West Indies

Lethal bowling display and composed batting display were the two key elements for West Indies in the first ODI. With a view to recreate such performance, Pollard and Co are doubtful to make any changes to their formidable line-up in the second ODI.

Probable XI: Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Sheldon Cottrell, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr, Alzarri Joseph/Keemo Paul.

Focus will be on

Roston Chase (West Indies)

Roston Chase, who was the stand-out performer in the first ODI is anticipated to be the game-changer for West Indies yet again. Chase shunned the Afghanistan side by smashing 94 runs with the bat and scalping two wickets with the ball. His all-round display earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Skipper Rashid Khan had an unpleasant experience in the series opener as he failed to gather any wickets to his name. Khan will be expecting to lead the side by demolishing the West Indies batting line-up with his leg-breaks. The 21-year-old is regarded as the game-changer for his national side. Khan has scalped 131 wickets in 69 ODIs for Afghanistan at an astounding average of 18.1.

Head to Head

Matches – 7, Afghanistan won – 3, West Indies won- 3, No Result- 1

Stat Attack

4 – Rahmat Shah has scored four half-centuries against West Indies in the last four ODIs.

Broadcast Details

TV- Star Sports

Live Streaming- Hotstar

Match timings-  2:00 PM local time, 2:00 PM IST