ICC World Cup 2019: What to expect from Afghanistan in the tournament?

If conditions favour, Afghanistan can punch above their weight.

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If conditions favour, Afghanistan can punch above their weight.
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Antrim , United Kingdom – 21 May 2019; Najibullah Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi of Afghanistan after passing their 50 run partnership during the GS Holdings ODI Challenge between Ireland and Afghanistan at Stormont in Belfast. (Photo By Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Afghanistan players
Afghanistan players. (Photo By Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Afghanistan was on the edge of getting eliminated before the Super-6s round in the World Cup Qualification tournament played in Zimbabwe last year. Bit of luck and some sensational performances helped them to finish as champions of the tournament and qualify for the World event. Their bowling attack is something that could threaten even some of the top-class batting line-ups.

However, their batting is something they worry about as they struggle to get going against bowling attack comprising quick bowlers. In the World Cup, they might face such challenges often. Considering their strengths and weaknesses, Afghans should be disappointed if they finish with less than three victories. If Afghanistan can punch above their weight with pitches favouring them, they can even win as many as six matches which could keep them alive for a semi-final spot.

The toughest match-ups for Afghans:

Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi
Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Afghanistan’s opening game is against Australia in Bristol where they defeated Pakistan in the warm-up. For Afghans to beat the defending champions, they need to play on extreme dry conditions. If their spin trio can limit the Australians around 150 while bowling first, they can have a chance. With the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in the opposition, they might find it tough to touch 200.

Afghanistan might not find a favourable track against the hosts England as they play at Old Trafford. The bounce at Manchester won’t help the Afghan batsmen and while Hamid Hasan and Dawlat Zadran might not be enough. The South African bowling attack will possess the same threat as the Aussies. If Cardiff provides a two-paced track, Afghanistan can fancy their chances in defending 200 against a collapse friendly Saffers batting.

Matches with 50-50 chance for Afghanistan:

Afghanistan
Afghanistan. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Afghanistan has a fair chance of defeating India, Pakistan and New Zealand. They will face India on a flat deck at Southampton but India’s batting can be vulnerable against leg-spinners like Rashid Khan. It is fair to say that Afghanistan’s chances rely on Rashid in this fixture. The warm-up match showed the 12th Test nation can beat Pakistan in favourable conditions.

If Afghans bat second against their neighbours, they can replicate the success of the practice match. Their game against the Kiwis will be hosted by Taunton which has conditions similar to that of sub-continent tracks. The Blackcaps aren’t best on tracks that have minimal help for the pacers which was once again proved in the warm-up games as they ran through India on a green track and struggled to contain Windies in Bristol which produced bit off movement but not for more than 7-8 overs.

Matches in which Afghanistan has the best chance:

Afghanistan team
Afghanistan team celebrates a wicket. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)

Going by the records and strengths, Afghanistan should be disappointed if they don’t end up defeating the Windies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Caribbean bowling isn’t a threatening one for the Afghans. The battle will come down to their bowling and the big hitters in the opposition camp. Bangladesh and Afghanistan are perfectly opposite teams as Bangladesh’s bowling is among the worsts in this tournament while Afghans’ batting is probably the worst.

As they play in batting favourable Southampton track, it could all come down to how the lesser experienced bunch deliver with the ball. Against Sri Lanka though, the Afghans could walk in as favourites given the former CWC champions’ misery in the recent times. Afghanistan recorded a huge win against a slightly stronger Sri Lankan team in the Asia Cup last year.

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