ICC World Cup 2019: Warm-Up Match 1, Pakistan vs Afghanistan: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Pakistan will take on the Afghanistan side in the first of the ten official warm-up games ahead of the World Cup 2019. The two sides have faced twice since the start of 2014 across all formats, both times in the Asia Cup. Afghanistan had its moments in those two meetings as they left the superior team in tatters. The last year’s match was won by Pakistan in the final over while chasing ten runs.

A win in this game could do a lot of good for Afghans as they can gain the confidence to tussle with the big teams in the main competition. Both the teams have lots of things to address in these warm-ups. Pakistan will be eager to sort out their bowling form and the template of batting if they bat first on flat decks. Afghanistan needs to get used to their new skipper Gulbadin Naib and tighten its bases in batting and bowling.

Also Read: ICC World Cup 2019: Warm-up Match 1, Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Match Prediction

Match Details:

The 1st warmup game of the ICC World Cup 2019 will be played between Pakistan and Afghanistan at County Ground in Bristol.

The match starts at 10:30 AM local time (9:30 AM GMT) (3:00 PM IST).

The game will be live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. Live streaming available on Hotstar.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The County Ground in Bristol has witnessed high-scoring games in Internationals. England chased down 359 last week against Pakistan while India chased 199 in a T20I last year against the hosts. The short boundaries contribute to the domination of the batsmen at this venue.

Average 1st innings score: 300 (Last 5 List A matches)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 2

Squads:

Pakistan:

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain.

Afghanistan:

Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Gulbadin Naib (C), Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad (WK), Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Team News:

Asif Ali travelled to the USA where his daughter passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer. Imam-ul-Haq suffered an injury during the ODI series against England.

Power Picks:

Compared to his record against top sides, Babar Azam has superior career numbers against some lower ranked teams. The reliable batsman in the Pakistan line-up could be seen making most against the Afghans. Babar had a good series against England coming into this tournament and is expected to be the top performer in this game.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Afghanistan’s bowling is something which both Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam might like to face. Mohammad Shahzad is in form and it comes down to how he tackles the pace of Pakistan bowlers. Rahmat Shah along with the Afghan stars Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan are ever reliable.

Other Captain/Vice-captain options – Imad Wasim, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Hafeez, Gulbadin Naib.

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Mohammad Shahzad

Batters – Fakhar Zaman (C), Rahmat Shah, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail

All-Rounders – Gulbadin Naib, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nabi (VC)

Bowlers – Mohammad Amir, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Hasnain

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Sarfaraz Ahmed

Batters – Fakhar Zaman, Rahmat Shah, Babar Azam (C), Hazratullah Zazai (VC), Asghar Afghan

All-Rounders – Gulbadin Naib, Imad Wasim

Bowlers – Mohammad Amir, Dawlat Zadran, Hasan Ali

Expert Advice:

Asif Ali’s availability is yet to be confirmed while Imam-ul-Haq suffered an injury last week. He might be rested from this game and could be allowed to bat in the next warm-up fixture for getting ready to play the mega tournament.

Probable Winners:

Pakistan might not face any surprises from Afghanistan as the usage of squad depth can bail them out of troubles.

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