T20 World Cup 2021: Match 27, Afghanistan vs Namibia Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

Afghanistan and Namibia are set to lock horns in Match No.27 of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, October 31 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.  Although they lost their previous game to Pakistan on October 29, the Afghans can be said to be in pretty good form in the mega event.

Mohammad Nabi and Co. gave the Men in Green a run for their money before Asif Ali’s six-hitting spree took them down. Namibia, on the other hand, are on a three-match winning streak in the tournament. In their previous match, they defeated Scotland by four wickets in Abu Dhabi itself.

Match Details

Match – Afghanistan vs Namibia – Match 27

Venue – Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Time – 03:30 PM IST, 10:00 AM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network

Pitch Report

The pitch in Abu Dhabi hasn’t been a belter for batting. Hence, an overly high-scoring game may not be on the cards. The track has favoured the team, batting second and hence, chasing should be the way forward.

Average first innings score: 124 (7 T20Is in Abu Dhabi in T20 World Cup 2021)

Record of Chasing teams: Won – 6, Lost – 1, Tied – 0

Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan

Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Bench: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Usman Ghani, Fareed Ahmad, Hamid Hassan

Namibia

Craig Williams, Zane Green (wk), Gerhard Erasmus (c), David Wiese, Michael van Lingen, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Pikky Ya France, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz

Bench: Stephan Baard, Michau du Preez, Karl Birkenstock, Ben Shikongo

Head-to-head

Afghanistan are yet to face Namibia in T20Is

Probable best batter of the match

Hazratullah Zazai (Afghanistan)

Hazratullah Zazai is one of the batters, who have hit six sixes in an over in a T20 match. Earlier this year, he also impressed while playing in the 2021 PSL. In the World Cup, Zazai started his campaign with a 44-run knock against Scotland, but he bagged a duck against Pakistan. Imad Wasim picked up his wicket. If he gets going, Namibia bowlers would be in for a lot of trouble.

Probable best bowler of the match

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)

Rashid Khan, on Friday, became the fastest bowler to pick up 100 wickets in T20Is. He accomplished the feat against Pakistan in only his 53rd match. In the ongoing World Cup, the youngster has picked up six wickets at an economy rate of 5.52. His bowling average of 5.83 and strike rate of 6.3 show that opponents have found it tough to figure him out.

Today’s match prediction: Afghanistan to win the match.

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