Highlights:
- In terms of T20I head-to-head records, India dominates Afghanistan.
- Kohli’s men have a lot to prove after two straight losses in the competition.
- Mohammad Nabi and his team have won two of their three games so far.
Virat Kohli and his team, were seen as one of the favourites for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, are now in a difficult position in the competition following two consecutive losses to Pakistan and New Zealand. The Men in Blue will now face Afghanistan in Match No. 33 at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
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After been outplayed in all aspects of the game in the previous two games, Kohli and co. will have a point to prove against Afghanistan, who are not to be underestimated. The onus will be on Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and skipper Kohli to score large runs, while Ravindra Jadeja will be needed to continue his finishing skills.
After a terrible run, the team management is anticipated to remove Hardik Pandya for tonight’s encounter, while Suryakumar Yadav, who missed the last match due to injury, is expected to make a comeback in the team. Bowling is also a major problem for India, as the squad has only taken two wickets in the opening two games. Varun Chakravarthy is expected to be replaced in the playing XI by R Ashwin or Rahul Chahar.
In comparison to India, Afghanistan has had a far stronger start to the competition, winning two of its first three matches, with their lone loss coming against Pakistan. They began their campaign with a 130-run victory over Scotland, followed by a loss to Pakistan, but they came back to beat Namibia by 62 runs.
Afghanistan fought hard against Pakistan, and after being reduced to 76/6, Mohammad Nabi (35* off 32) and Gulbadin Naib (35* off 25) rescued the innings with an unbeaten 71-run stand for the seventh wicket. Afghanistan bowlers subsequently continued to take up wickets at regular intervals, and while the match was evenly poised, Asif Ali (25* off 7) had other intentions, slamming four sixes in the final over to seal the game in style.
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IND Vs AFG Head To Head:
In terms of head-to-head encounters in T20 internationals, both sides have faced twice before, in the 2010 and 2012 T20 World Cups, with India winning both. Notably, both matches were played in T20 World Cups, and India would be eager to continue their winning trend.
Top Picks for IND Vs AFG Match 33 ICC World Cup 2021:
Wicketkeeper: Rishabh Pant
Batters: Lokesh Rahul, Hazratullah Zazai
Allrounders: Mohammad Nabi
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Naveen-ul-Haq, Rashid Khan
Match Prediction:
Kohli’s players are wounded after losing the first two matches and are anticipating to come out all guns blazing against Afghanistan. Today is likely to be the Men in Blue’s first victory of the tournament.
Therefore, Virat & Co. are expected to win this match against Afghanistan.
