PAK vs AFG Live Score: Pakistan is all set to face Afghanistan in the semifinal 2 of the Asian Games Men’s T20I 2023. The two teams won their Quarterfinals with good bowling performances after their batting order let them down. Pakistan is marching in this clash on the back of a defeat at the hands of Hong Kong while Afghans got the better of Sri Lanka.
Afghanistan looks more settled & experienced than Pakistanis. Most of the players had International exposure & it’s a positive for them. However, Pakistan’s squad will try their best to get the better of Afghanistan as they have depth in their lineup. We expect a close contest as both teams have exciting talent in the camp.
TEAMS PREVIEW
Pakistan Preview
Qasim Akram’s Pakistan side secured a hard-fought 68-run victory against Hong Kong in the 2nd Quarterfinal. While the scorecard suggests a comfortable win, Pakistan faced challenges, particularly in their batting department. Akram will be keen to see a more convincing performance from his team, especially the top order.
Omair Yousuf and Mirza Baig will play crucial roles in providing a solid start, but they’ll have to contend with Afghanistan’s formidable new ball bowlers. The middle order stumbled in the previous game, making it imperative for Haider Ali, Qasim Akram, and Rohail Nazir to step up. The team boasts depth in batting, with the likes of Khushdil Shah, Aamer Jamal, and Asif Ali capable of turning the game around.
Pakistan’s bowling attack performed admirably against Hong Kong, with Arshad Iqbal and Arafat Minhas impressing with the new ball. Khushdil Shah adds valuable experience to the middle overs alongside Aamer Jamal. Akram and Sufiyan Muqeem provide variety and depth to the bowling attack.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI: Qasim Akram (c), Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Mirza Tahir Baig, Arshad Iqbal, Aamer Jamal, Arafat Minhas, Sufiyan Muqeem, Rohail Nazir (wk), Khushdil Shah, Omair Yousuf
Afghanistan Preview
Gulbadin Naib’s Afghanistan side emerged victorious against Sri Lanka by a mere 8 runs in a thrilling encounter. The Afghan batting lineup struggled, posting just 116 runs, but their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to secure the win. Afghanistan boasts a more experienced squad, and Naib will look to capitalize on this advantage.
Mohammad Shahzad and Sediqullah Atal will need to provide a solid opening partnership, building a strong foundation. Noor Ali Zadran’s match-winning knock in the last game has bolstered his confidence, and he will aim to forge partnerships with Shahidullah Kamal and Naib. The presence of Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, and Afsar Zazai adds firepower to the middle order.
The bowlers come into this game with confidence after their impressive spells in the previous match. Fareed Ahmad Malik and Naib will be tasked with providing early breakthroughs. Qais Ahmed and Zahir Khan, with their wealth of experience, will be key players. Additionally, the side expects solid contributions from Sharafuddin Ashraf and Karim Janat.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI: Gulbadin Naib (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Afsar Zazai, Noor Ali Zadran, Shahidullah Kamal, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Zahir Khan, Qais Ahmad
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Weather conditions for this encounter in Hangzhou on October 6 indicate a slight cloud cover, offering the potential for assistance to fast bowlers early in the game. Despite this, the pitch is expected to be flat, providing excellent batting conditions with consistent bounce and pace. A target of around 200 runs will be considered a safe total on this wicket, highlighting the importance of a strong batting performance.
The Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou is characterized by short square boundaries, allowing batsmen to play their shots freely. While the pitch favors the batsmen, fast bowlers can find early assistance. However, the small boundaries limit the chances for spinners to make a significant impact.
Toss: To Bowl or Not to Bowl
Given the small ground and the potential for high-scoring encounters witnessed in the tournament, the side winning the toss is likely to opt for bowling first. Chasing down a sizable target may be a preferred strategy, given the challenges of setting competitive totals at this venue.
PAK vs AFG Match Prediction
This Semifinal 2 clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan promises to be a gripping contest, with both teams possessing their strengths and experiences. Pakistan, despite their recent struggles, cannot be underestimated, while Afghanistan’s experienced squad gives them an edge.
Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack and balanced batting lineup make them slight favorites in this encounter. However, cricket is known for its unpredictability, and Pakistan’s young talents have the potential to spring surprises.
In a high-pressure contest, Afghanistan is predicted to emerge victorious and secure a place in the final of the Asian Games 2023. Yet, cricket lovers can expect a closely fought and captivating battle that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
Winning Prediction: Afghanistan to win
Also read, IND vs BAN Live Score, Asian Games 2023 Semifinal 1
