Afghanistan vs West Indies, 3rd ODI: Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Both team could make some changes as the last game is a dead rubber.

Published - 10 Nov 2019, 13:01 IST | Updated - 10 Nov 2019, 13:01 IST

View : 3.9K

3 Min Read

Afghanistan have into a slump in ODI cricket, losing their previous 11 matches. Their last victory came almost six months ago versus Ireland in Belfast. In their ongoing ODI series versus the West Indies, Rashid Khan and Co haven’t looked clinical despite showing sparks of brilliance at times. The hosts have already conceded the series 2-0 with one game left at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

In the second contest, Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah’s partnership kept them in contention for a win. But after the latter’s dismissal, things went downhill for the Afghans and they lost by 47 runs. For the Caribbean team, on the contrary, the win was a much-needed breather. It was their maiden ODI series victory since August 2014. In between, the side lost as many as 19 series and drew two.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitches have been a sporting one thus far. The fast bowlers and spinners have had their say equally. Even as the pacers have got wickets in crucial junctures, spinners have been able to put on a squeeze in the middle overs. An overly high-scoring affair may not be in store. The conditions will be pleasant for cricket with no chances of rain and the temperature around 25 degrees Celsius.

Team Combinations

Afghanistan

Javed Ahmad has been awful at the top and it won’t be a surprise if the 17-year-old Ibrahim Zadran gets his maiden ODI cap. Hazratullah Zazai needs to be a little matured while choosing his strokes. After four half-centuries on the trot, a run-out seemed to be the only way the West Indies could have got Rahmat Shah out. Ikram Ali Khil has looked promising, but is yet to stamp his authority.

The middle-order has the likes of Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah, all three of whom need to contribute heavily. Nabi has also turned the screws with some accurate bowling. Rashid has been a bit of a disappointment, having picked a solitary wicket. Being a dead rubber, the Afghans may give Yamin Ahmadzai and Karim Janat chances, replacing may be Naveen and Ashraf.

Probable XI

Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (C), Sharafuddin Ashraf/Karim Janat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq/Yamin Ahmadzai

West Indies

Barring Nicholas Pooran, who scored 75 at 119.04, the Caribbean batting has looked a tad uncomfortable at times. Shai Hope is the leading run-scorer of the series with 120 runs, but at a strike-rate of 57.14. Evin Lewis would be high on confidence after his fifty last time around. Roston Chase failed to deliver after his match-winning 94. He has five wickets with the leather though.

Hetmyer’s lacklustre run of form continued. Skipper Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder have floundered, but both can be devastating on their day. Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd haven’t had much to do thus far. The duo may be rested and rather, Keemo Paul and Khary Pierre may get opportunities. Walsh Jr and Cottrell have been tough to get away, picking four wickets each.

Probable XI

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