World Cup 2019, Match 24: England vs Afghanistan – Fantain Fantasy Cricket Tips

The fact that the India vs Pakistan match took place at the same venue despite the rain threat has renewed hopes of those who were starting to criticise the planning and scheduling of World Cup 2019. It is now time for hosts England to add points to their tally against a much weaker looking Afghanistan side. The hosts do have a few injury concerns but is not one of those matches where they will need to push. Here is all you need to read for both the teams before picking your Fantain XI.

Team News:

England

The home team finds itself fourth on the points table with 3 wins from 4 matches. Luckily, none of their matches have been affected by the rain so far. Flexibility is what the team has to work on. Injuries will force them to change combinations in the top order and sometimes even the entire lineup.

When Woakes was pulled up to the top of the order against West Indies, it worked very well. That would be the key to their entry in the semi-finals. It would be a shame if they missed out.

With Roy missing out on the next two matches and Morgan uncertain, Buttler will lead the side and James Vince will come in as the backup opener. Moeen Ali is the extra spin option they have in place of Morgan on the pitch that assisted the spinners will prove to be handy.

Possible XI:

Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Jos Buttler (C & wk), Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, James Vince

Afghanistan

Having lost four out of four matches, things are not looking good at all for Afghanistan. They have a few good players but the team has simply been unable to capitalize on their skills. Technically, there is nothing wrong with the side that’s playing. Zadran, Naib, Rashid Khan and Nabi are players that deserve to be on this platform. What they need is a good start and a solid score to defend. The economy rate of the bowlers has been quite decent.

Possible XI:

Hamid Hassan, Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ali Zadran, Aftab Alam, Gulbadin Naib (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Hazratullah Zazai

Top Picks

Stokes and Root: In the absence of fellow companion Roy, Root becomes all the more important for the team to score big. Stokes needs to ensure that he stays with Root until the end.

Buttler: Buttler steps in as stand-in captain to lead the team. He has the potential to score high on your Fantain Fantasy Lineup

Naib and Nabi: The two all-rounders of Afghanistan are key to the lineup as well.

Fantain Fantasy XI:

Batsmen: Root, Bairstow, Zazai

Bowlers: Archer, Woakes, Khan, Wood

All-Rounders: Stokes, Naib, Nabi

Wicket-Keeper: Buttler

This is our Fantain Fantasy XI but you’re the real expert.