ICC World Cup 2019: Match 4, Afghanistan vs Australia, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Mohammad Shahzad is likely to play this match after missing the second warm-up.

Published - 31 May 2019, 18:27 IST | Updated - 31 May 2019, 18:27 IST

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Australia has had an incredible year thus far. After defeating India and Pakistan in unfavourable conditions, the Aaron Finch-captained unit won their warm-up matches of this year’s World Cup in England and Wales. First, they brushed aside hosts England after Steve Smith amassed a magnificent century. The Aussies carried forward their momentum and defeated a hapless Sri Lanka as well.

Finch and Co is now set to play their first match of the main round against Afghanistan tomorrow at the County Ground in Bristol and stand as the favourites to win the game. The Afghans, on the other hand, rolled over Pakistan by three wickets in their first practice match. However, the team, led by Gulbadin Naib, was demolished by England as they lost by nine wickets at the Kennington Oval in London.

Weather Report

There are no chances of rain for tomorrow’s contest. There will be a 70 per cent cloud cover, but it’s not expected to convert into a downpour. The temperature will be around 19 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be in the 60s and 70s during the game.

Pitch Report

The venue has been a witness to 16 completed ODIs out of which nine were won by the team, batting second. The last ODI here produced almost 720 runs and the numbers show how good the track is. That day, England chased down a colossal 359 with 31 deliveries to spare. It won’t be a surprise if the teams opt to field first after winning the toss.

Playing combinations

Afghanistan

The Afghans are likely to bring back Mohammad Shahzad, who missed the second warm-up due to a hamstring injury, in place of Noor Ali Zadran. The likes of Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi have been consistent and their team would depend on them. The onus will be on Dawlat and Hamid to give Afghanistan the early breakthroughs. Their spin trio of Rashid, Nabi and Mujeeb will also be in focus.

Probable XI

Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib (C), Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Australia

It’s still not clear who should be the openers. Khawaja did well against Lanka and it’s tough to demote David Warner as well. If the duo opens then, Finch has to drop down the middle order. There’s uncertainty over Warner’s fitness as well. Steve Smith should bat at three given the awe-inspiring form he is in. Stoinis and Maxwell can inject momentum into the innings. Starc, Behrendorff, and Pat Cummins will form the pace attack with Zampa as the lone spinner.

Probable XI

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Aaron Finch (C), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Jason Behrendorff, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa