World Cup 2019, Match 36: Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Fantain Fantasy Cricket Tips

Pakistan came back with a bang in a way that only they could to defeat New Zealand, a team that looked infallible up until then. This not only talks about how no team is invincible, but it also shows the capability of Pakistan as a team and what they can do when pushed to a corner.

It is not yet the year of Afghanistan. Give it four years, and they might have the potential to reach the semi-finals. This does not, however, discount who they are or diminish their achievement so far. Here is all you need to read for both the teams before picking your Fantain XI.

Team News:

Pakistan

A team that is volatile can shock any other team. That is the takeaway from their encounter with Afghanistan. They looked like they were out of the tournament. But by winning against New Zealand, the team has opened the door, even if by a couple of inches, towards the semi-finals. Their next two matches are against Afghanistan and Bangladesh. 2 wins most definitely cannot be ruled out.

Should the team manage a good NRR, winning by high margins, Pakistan can very well be part of the Semi-Finals. Should that be the case, it might be England that could miss the bus. Australia, India and New Zealand look good to go. This calls for the smashers to make their move, and from the word Go.

Predicted XI: Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Imad Wasim, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi

Afghanistan

The latest news is that ICC has approved Sayed Ahmad Shirzad as a replacement player for Aftab Alam in Afghanistan’s World Cup squad for the rest of the tournament. With Naib replacing Afghan as the captain and then Shahzad being ruled out due to injury, the team has been through a lot. Having lost all games played, Afghanistan has nothing to lose from now on. If they beat Pakistan (which cannot be ruled out in any case – seeing as they almost defeated India), the team can exit the tournament with some pride left.

Predicted XI: Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shinwari, Dawlat Zadran, Gulbadin Naib (c), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Top Picks

Naib and Nabi: The stars of Afghanistan, these two all-rounders have the ability to turn any game around in their favour. All they lack is some support from the batsmen

Azam and Zaman: With some sudden hope for the team, it is up to these smashers to make the most of the last two matches of World Cup 2019

Amir and Riaz: The two bowlers have been good at taking wickets, but the next two matches could make all the difference to their career as well.

Fantain Fantasy XI:

Batsmen: Azam. Zaman, Shah, Sohail

Bowlers: Amir, Riaz, Ur Rahman, Shaheen Afridi

All-Rounders: Naib, Nabi

WK: S Ahmed

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