T20 World Cup 2021, Warm-Up Match 9: AFG vs SA Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing 11, Pitch Report and Injury Update

Preview:

Afghanistan and South Africa will cross swords in their respective first warm-up match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The encounter takes place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery 2 in Abu Dhabi. Both teams haven’t been exceptional in international cricket lately and hence, and expectations aren’t sky high from them.

However, there are some T20 stalwarts in both teams who change the course of the game single-handedly. With T20 being a format of uncertainty, South Africa and Afghanistan would back them to go a long way in the competition. Their first challenge would be identifying their best teams in warm-up matches.

Match Details:

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 9th Warm-Up match

Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium Nursery 2, Abu Dhabi

Date & Time: October 18th, at 3:30 PM IST and 2:00 PM Local Time

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network

Pitch Report:

The pitch is expected to favor the bowlers, given the slow nature of the tracks. Spinners will come in handy in the middle overs and shot-making won’t be easy. The ground traditional favours the chasing side. Hence, the toss-winning captain must elect to bowl.

Squads for AFG vs SA:

Afghanistan

Mohammad Nabi (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Shahzad, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Hamid Hassan, Farid Ahmed Malik, Naveen ul Haq

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (c), Keshav Maharaj, Quinton de Kock (wk), Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

Top Picks for AFG vs SA Dream11 Match:

Top Picks – Batters

Hazratullah Zazai can attack bowlers from the outset and his knack of playing big knocks makes him even more lethal. The dashing opener has done well in his recent assignments as well.

David Miller has a plethora of experience behind his back and his T20I record is sensational as well. Hence, South Africa would be counting on him.

Top Picks – All-Rounders

Mohammad Nabi can deliver in all three departments and his off-spins would particularly be handy on these tracks. Nabi will also lead the side in the gala tournament.

Aiden Markram played some fine knocks in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. He can deliver in the bowling department as well.

Top Picks – Bowlers

Arguably the finest T20 bowler at the moment, Rashid Khan is truly a force to reckon with in this format. The Proteas batters must be aware of him.

Another bowler who can shine in this contest is Kagiso Rabada. The star pacer can take wickets at any stage of the game.

Top Picks – Wicketkeepers

Quinton de Kock is a proven star of this format and would be critical to South Africa’s success in the tournament. He has scored 1758 runs in T20I cricket.

AFG vs SA Must Picks for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for AFG vs SA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Quinton de Kock (VC), Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Nabi, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan (C), Mujeeb-ur-Rahman

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for AFG vs SA Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:

Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Hazratullah Zazai (C), Mohammad Nabi, Dwaine Pretorius, Lungi Ngidi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (VC)

AFG vs SA Risky Captaincy Choices:

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman didn’t play a lot of matches in this year’s IPL. However, his wicket-taking abilities have trouble many batters.

Rassie van der Dussen has been a prolific performer for the South African team lately. You can take a risk and pick him as your fantasy team captain.

Player you should avoid:

Considering a lot of options available in the all-rounder’s slot, it’s better to avoid Gulbadin Naib while making your fantasy teams.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

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.