ENG v AFG World T20 Preview: High-Flying England aim to seal semifinal berth

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Eoin Morgan
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England’s captain Eoin Morgan makes an underarm throw during a training session of the ongoing World T20 cricket tournament at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on March 15, 2016.
England play West Indies in their opening match of the super 10 stage of the World T20 tournament on Wednesday, March 16 in Mumbai. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images)

While the first match against the West Indies well and truly knocked the stuffing out of England, the fantastic win over the mighty South Africans put the Brits back in contention. Now, they will have to face up to the unpredictable Afghanistan. Despite losing both their matches and out of contention for a semifinal spot, the Afghans have been a breath of fresh air in the tournament. Their performance would certainly get the ICC to rethink the number of teams participating in the 2019 World Cup.

Team News & Analysis

England

With pride at stake, England dug deep against South Africa to preserve the respect for ‘Queen and country”. An impressive performance with the bat from Joe Root proves that this format is not tailor-made for anyone. The England batting looks a formidable unit at the moment. Jason Roy played a gem of an innings in the previous match while Alex Hales too came good with the bat. Eoin Morgan is also expected to fire with the bat as his big-hitting has been dormant thus far.

While the batting has been something to look out for, the England bowling has been shambolic, to say the least. Chris Jordan has been unable to successfully lead an inexperienced attack comprising of David Willey and ReeceTopley. However, Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali could come good in subsequent matches.

Afghanistan

The Afghans have been the surprise package this tournament. After knocking out Zimbabwe in the qualifiers of the World T20, all the sides from Group A were expected to roll-over Afghanistan like they weren’t even present. However, they staged an impressive fight against the Sri Lankans in their opening encounter. It took a superhuman effort from Tillakaratne Dilshan to overhaul the Afghans. Shapoor Zadran, Mohammad Nabi and Dawlat Zadra have been the ones to watch for thus far.

Mohammad Shehzad, the wicket-keeper of Afghanistan has proved to be lethal with a few impressive performances with the bat. Skipper Asghar Stankizai too has impressive.

(Playing XI)

Afghanistan: Mohammad Shahzad(w), Noor Ali Zadran, Asghar Stanikzai(c), Shafiqullah Shafiq, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shenwari, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Amir Hamza, Rashid Khan, Shapoor Zadran

England: Jason Roy, James Vince, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Chris Jordan, Liam Plunkett

Pitch & Weather conditions

The Feroz Shah Kotla wicket has been a controversial one over the years. However, after much argument, the matches have been restored to the venue. The dryness of the pitch caused due to the humid weather conditions has made the Feroze Shah Kotla a spinner’s paradise. Cracks and the ageing of the surface will certainly make it a difficult wicket to bat on. The key will be to win the toss and bat first.

Stat Attack

  • Of the 18 matches played at this venue, the team batting second has won 13 times
  • Alex Hales has the most number of half-centuries for England in T20 internationals with 8.
  • Eoin Morgan needs 28 runs to complete 1400 runs in T20 internationals.
  • These sides have met only once before at Colombo during the2012 edition of the World T20. England won the encounter by 116 runs.

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