Afghanistan vs Pakistan: A Riveting ODI Showdown in Hambantota

In a thrilling precursor to the Asia Cup, Afghanistan and Pakistan are set to lock horns in a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. The curtain rises on this much-anticipated series with the first ODI scheduled for August 22 in Hambantota.

Historically, the two teams have faced each other in only four ODIs, with Pakistan emerging victorious in all encounters. This series presents Afghanistan with a golden opportunity to register their maiden ODI win against their formidable neighbors. On the other hand, Pakistan will be keen to maintain their unblemished record against the Afghans.

Probable Playing XI

• Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai.
• Pakistan: Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmad, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Agha Salman, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.

Match Details

• Match: Afghanistan vs Pakistan, 1st ODI
• Date: 22nd August 2023, 3 PM IST
• Venue: Hambantota, Sri Lanka

Pitch Report

The pitch in Hambantota might tempt both teams to bowl first upon winning the toss.

• Chasing teams could find it easier as the game progresses.
• Hence, a team batting first should ideally aim for a target north of 275 runs.

Dream11 Fantasy Suggestions

• Fantasy Suggestion #1: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Ibrahim Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Shadab Khan, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf.
• Captain: Babar Azam, Vice-Captain: Shadab Khan.

Fantasy Suggestion #2:

• Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Shadab Khan, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah.
• Captain: Rashid Khan, Vice-Captain: Fakhar Zaman.

The series promises to be a cracker of a contest. With both teams boasting of world-class talent, fans are in for a treat.

Will Afghanistan script history, or will Pakistan continue their dominance? Only time will tell. What are your predictions?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!