ICC World Cup 2019: Match 36, Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Captain and Vice-Captain for Dream11 Fantasy

Around a couple of weeks ago, Pakistan cricket was in the doldrums as far as their World Cup campaign is concerned. The national team lost to arch-rivals India and the 89-run drubbing at the Old Trafford in Manchester outraged the supporters. However, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Co have started soaring above expectations, though they are left with a couple of must-win contests in order to progress to the semi-final.

After brushing aside South Africa and New Zealand, the Men in Green are next scheduled to lock horns with Afghanistan in the first of tomorrow’s doubleheader at Headingley in Leeds. Pakistan lost to the Afghans in the warm-up fixture, but after a month, both teams are in contrasting frames of mind. Gulbadin Naib and Co are languishing at the bottom of the points table and are still in search of their maiden victory.

Here is the guide to select the Captain and Vice-Captain for Dream11 Fantasy:

Captain Suggestions:

Babar Azam

It goes without saying that Babar Azam has been Pakistan’s most consistent batsman in the World Cup, having notched up 330 runs at an average of 66.60. But the century he got in the previous match would keep him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the must-win contests. Back in the warm-ups, he notched a ton versus the Afghans, but the challenge this time around is expected to be stiffer.

Dream11 Credits: 10.5

Fakhar Zaman

Having scored 173 runs in six matches at an average of 28.83, Fakhar Zaman has got a number of starts. But somehow, he hasn’t been able to convert them. Last time, he closed the face of the bat too early to give Trent Boult his first wicket. With his team in a bit of a tangle, a substantial knock of Fakhar’s bat can do wonders for the team. For that to happen, he has to play with a bit more responsibility.

Dream11 Credits: 9

Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib has been amongst the runs ever since he started opening the batting for the Afghans. With 174 runs in seven matches at an average of 24.85, Naib hasn’t disappointed. But while he has gotten those boundaries, he’s been found wanting at times when it’s about rotating the strike. With nine wickets, he is also Afghanistan’s leading wicket-taker. He has to take care of his economy rate, which is currently at 6.20.

Dream11 Credits: 9.5

Vice-Captain Suggestions:

Imam-ul-Haq

Imam-ul-Haq’s World Cup campaign has been pretty similar to that of Fakhar. The left-hander has notched 169 runs at an average of 28.16. Moreover, like Fakhar even Imam has only one half-century in the tournament. The 23-year-old has six centuries in 34 ODIs and that shows that he has the potential to get big scores consistently. In the last match, a vicious bouncer from Lockie Ferguson accounted for his wicket.

Dream11 Credits: 9.5

Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi has been just good enough in the World Cup. The 34-year-old all-rounder picked up a four-wicket haul versus the Lankans to make his first big impact. With the bat, he succumbed to a number of failures. However, he came into his own against India, scoring a well-crafted fifty under pressure, though his performance came in a losing cause. He also has the prized wicket of Virat Kohli and can be a tough prospect for Pakistan.

Dream11 Credits: 9

Rahmat Shah

Rahmat Shah plays a key role in the Afghan team as he is their technically most-correct batsman. The right-hander possesses a calm head on his shoulder and on his day, can grind the opposition. Last time around, he staved off the Bangladesh pace attack in the first nine overs pretty efficiently. He has gotten a couple of 40s in the World Cup and the Pakistan bowlers need to dismiss him early.

Dream11 Credits: 9

Final picks for your Dream11 Fantasy team

For Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Captain – Babar Azam | Vice-Captain – Gulbadin Naib

For Grand/Mega Leagues:

Captain – Fakhar Zaman | Vice-Captain – Mohammad Nabi

*Disclaimer: These picks were made based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.