World Cup 2019, Match 4: Afghanistan vs Australia  – Fantain Fantasy Cricket Tips

Afghanistan, in their recent performance, has shown that they are capable of by defeating Pakistan in the warm-up match. Whilst Pakistan tends to buckle under pressure, Afghanistan’s feat does deserve all the credit. Australia, on the other hand, would not stress too much about their first match against Afghanistan in the World Cup. Here is all you need to read for both the teams before picking your Fantain XI.

Team News:

Afghanistan

The team has come a long way indeed. Many of the players are now familiar faces thanks to their performances at various cricket leagues such as the Indian T20 League. There is rich potential in Naib, Afghan, Zazai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan.

They are most definitely not favourites for the trophy, but there is always a charm in supporting the underdogs of the tournament and Afghanistan would get the popularity vote in that aspect.

They make up for the lack of experience and depth with the talent and passion for the game.

Squad: Gulbadin Naib (capt), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Australia

Defending Champions Australia have it all going for them. They are on an eight-game winning streak with a strong top order batting, return of prodigal players and excellent pace attack. A few worries such as the fitness of Warner and the mental state of Steve Smith after his return from the ban exist at the camp.

Squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Top Picks

Mhd Nabi and Rashid Khan: Two of the top all-rounders of Afghanistan are ranked high on the ICC’s ODI list. They have what it takes to help Afghanistan advance to the next stage.

David Warner: His experience helps add depth to the Australian lineup. His upper leg injury caused some concerns but he should be ruled fit to play.

Steve Smith: Smith will try hard to prove that this is where he belongs. He ignored the jeers to hit a ton at the warm-up match. His determination is what will see him through.

Fantain Fantasy XI

Batsmen: Usman Khwaja, Steve Smith, Zazai, Warner

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Zampa, Richardson, Ur Rahman

All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Nabi

WK:  M Shahzad

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