ODI World Cup 2023, Match 9: India vs Afghanistan Match Preview

A red-hot team India faces Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan in match No. 9 of the ODI World Cup 2023 on Wednesday, October 11, in Delhi.

India have been in sensational form in recent times. After winning the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma and Co. returned to India and defeated Australia in a three-match series. They faced Pat Cummins' men in their first match of the ongoing ODI World Cup at Chepauk and emerged victorious by six wickets, chasing down a target of 200 in 41.2 overs.

The trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav were excellent on a helpful pitch that was offering turn. The Saurashtra all-rounder was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 3/28 in 10 overs. Three of India's top three batters perished without opening their accounts. However, the duo of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul stitched a 165-run partnership to take the Men in Blue out of the spot of bother. The former India captain was dismissed for a well-made 85 before Rahul (97*) and Hardik Pandya (11*) took India home. The Karnataka batter has been in scintillating form since his return from injury. He has amassed 402 runs in seven innings and is averaging in excess of 100.

The only game played in Delhi so far in this year's World Cup was the one between South Africa and Sri Lanka. 754 runs were scored in that game, and batters had a field day out in the middle. India might look to bring in Mohammed Shami in place of Ravichandran Ashwin if they feel the pitch is batting-friendly. The experienced pacer will have fond memories of bowling against the Blue Tigers as he picked up a hat-trick in the 2019 World Cup against them, which helped India win a close encounter.

Afghanistan have flattered to deceive in recent times. They were whitewashed in a three-match ODI series against Pakistan before being knocked out of the Asia Cup in the group stage with two consecutive losses. Hashmatullah Shahidi's and Co. comprehensively defeated Sri Lanka in a warm-up game ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 and showed how dangerous a side they could be on their day. However, their opening fixture in the marquee event didn't turn out to be fruitful, as Bangladesh beat them by six wickets.

Afghanistan will pin their hopes on the successful opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. In 18 innings, the two talented young players have scored 818 runs at a healthy average of 45.44. If they can forge a solid partnership at the top, the big hitters like Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran will be able to express themselves without worrying too much about setting the game up. Rashid Khan's form hasn't been great with the ball in recent times. The talismanic leg-spinner is known to step up under pressure and the Afghan fans will be hoping to see the veteran return to his prime form.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Points Table

IND vs AFG Pitch and Conditions

The Arun Jaitley Stadium isn't known for being a high-scoring ground. However, the South Africa-Sri Lanka game certainly surprised cricket enthusiasts. If the game is played on a track that offers turn and bounce, it could bode well for Afghanistan. However, a true batting surface could favour the Indians. The weather forecast is promising as there is no chance of rain playing spoilsport. In the second innings, dew could come into play.

IND vs AFG, Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 9

India

The former two-time champions might stick to the same playing XI that helped them win against Australia. If the pitch isn't conducive to spin bowling, Shami might be brought in place of Ashwin. The in-form Shubman Gill, who missed the first game due to illness, has been ruled out of this match as well.

Rohit Sharma (C), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin/Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav

Afghanistan

Afghanistan will also not like to tinker too much with their playing XI just after one bad game in the tournament. However, if conditions are favourable to spinners, they may look to bring in the talented left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad in place of Azmatullah Omarzai.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai/Noor Ahmad, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

IND vs AFG Head-to-Head in ODIs

IND vs AFG Broadcast Details: