CWC 2019: ENG vs AFG Preview – England overwhelming favourites against Afghanistan
It will a battle of their lives for an under the pump Afghanistan unit as they will face off against a formidable England side at Old Trafford in Manchester. Afghanistan, already reeling after losing all their 4 matches in the tournament and languishing at the bottom of the table may well face the full might of England who are eyeing the top spot on the table. All signs point towards a stroll in the park for the hosts. But cricket being a game of glorious uncertainties, we could well witness one of the greatest upsets in the history of the game.
Match Info
England vs Afghanistan, Match 24
Old Trafford, Manchester (3:00 pm IST)
Head-to-Head
Played – 1
England wins – 1
Afghanistan wins – 0
Team News
In the England camp, there are a few major injury concerns. It has been confirmed that opener Jason Roy will miss a couple of matches due to a hamstring injury. James Vince is likely to replace him in the team at the top of the order. Skipper Eoin Morgan is also a doubt for the game as he is struggling with a back spasm. Pacer Liam Plunkett also did not participate in training due to a stomach bug.
For Afghanistan, there aren’t any injury concerns in the squad. But there remains a feeling that unless their spinners come up with a once in a lifetime performance, the overall squad is too short on quality and too low on morale to give England a serious run for their money.
Key Players
Jos Buttler (England): If Eoin Morgan indeed does miss the match, Buttler will have the added responsibility of leading the side. An opportunity which he will surely relish. Against an Afghanistan pace attack which doesn’t have much potency, Buttler will quite like his chances of causing some serious havoc once he comes out to bat at whatever stage in the game. The game will be another opportunity for the dashing wicketkeeper-batsman to register another big score to his name.
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): The one genuine world-class performer which Afghanistan have in their ranks, the pressure will be well and truly on Rashid Khan to deliver a big performance. Not only will he be a crucial figure with the ball as their strike bowler, but will also have to chip in with some runs lower down the order considering the precarious position which Afghanistan’s top order often finds itself in.
Probable XI
England: Jonny Bairstow, James Vince, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid.
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Ali Khil(wk), Gulbadin Naib(c), Rashid Khan, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
