ICC World Cup 2019
Part 12 - Who will get surprise from Afghans???
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Its not an easy task for players to get attention from all over the world with a not developed cricket board. Only some teams achieved this feet. Of course Afghanistan ranks top among them. Previously Zimbabwe once ruled cricket world for 10 years 1996 to 2006. They having players equivalent to the top teams in the world. Now Afghanistan was also in the same position. They can challenge to any team in the world. Its not just a thought, they already proved this by tie a match against India in Asia Cup. Their first success is going to play in this world cup. Because only top 10 teams will play in this tournament. Out of those 2 teams should play qualifying tournament . Afghanistan qualified over experienced Scotland, Ireland and Zimbabwe in that. Lets see on what proportion they sending team for world cup. How many chances they have to qualify semifinals??
Top Order:
One of the most experienced player of Afghanistan and their wicket keeper, Mohammad Shahzad should play at no1. This 32 years old afghani having an average of 33 with strike of 88 in One day Internationals. He also scored 5 centuries and 13 half centuries in his career. His power shots and drive help afghanistan to score maximum runs at powerplays. But atleast this guy should survive for first 15 over. Then only its easy for other batsmen to convert the good start to a challenging score. This guy is similar to Sehwag not worrying about bowlers. If the bowlers missed the line he wont miss the boundary line. Along with two other openers are there for no2 Hazrathullah Zazai and Hashmatullah Shahidi. But their current sensation Zazai will get chance to open the innings. Zazai played only 6 ODI's, but you wont believe his strike rate its whooping 192 in T20. Yes this guy scored 162 runs in T20 against Ireland and registered the second highest individual score next to Gayle.
They have their ex captain asghar afghan at no3. May be he is an all rounder but suitable guy who can build the innings along with their test captain Rahmat Shah in 4th position. Rahmat was good enough to hold an innings and build partnership. So definitely both these guys should play at 3rd and 4th spot.
All-rounders:
Plenty of quality all rounders are there in afghanistan squad. Whenever we hear the name afghan cricket we remember the name Mohammed Nabi too. Being an all rounder he is more popular as a hitter. So its final Nabi to play at no5, so that afghan can add quick runs to keep their runrate at higher. Samiullah Shenwari another all rounder can bat at no 6 for his team. He is not a constant player as of now. But can add runs whenever the team needs.
Seventh position, the world wants this guy Rashid Khan. No need any intro about this guy. Such a talented spinner. We cant judge his ball by his action. Because his leg spin and googly come with the same action and good speed. We can expect rashid khan will be at the rank of maximum wicket takers in world cup. Afghan Captain Gulbadin Naib at no 8 being a bowler he can able to score runs too. So its better to promote Naib at no 8.
Bowlers:
Still three position is left among that one is top spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. This right arm off breaker can do maximum damage to opponents at middle over along with the leg spinner Rashid Khan. His records was just awesome picked 51 wickets from just 28 matches in ODI's. His economy is 3.74 and average is 18. For every 18 balls he is picking a wicket. Its time for fast bowlers at no 10 and 11 Aftab Alam and Dawlat Zadran. Dawlat is experienced in ODI played 74 matches and took more than 100 wickets. So his experience is must needed in a big tournaments like world cup. While Aftab having less experience but good impression in world cricket. So he should support Zadran and Naib at bowling department.
Best Playing XI:
1. Mohammad Shahzad (wk)
2. Hazrathullah Zazai
3. Asghar afghan
4. Rahmat Shah
5. Mohammad Nabi
6. Samiullah Shenwari
7. Rashid Khan
8. Gulabdin Naib (C)
9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
10. Dawalat Zadran
11. Aftab Alam
World Cup Schedule:
Afghanistan going to play their first match itself against the defending champions Australia. If they gave tough to the top teams that itself fine for them. We expect they can give shock to Bangladesh and Srilanka in this tournament let see how Afghans handle the biggies???
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