SA vs AFG Live Score: South Africa & Afghanistan will next face each other in Match 42 of the ODI World Cup 2023. Afghanistan are coming into this clash on the back of three wickets defeat at the hands of Australia in their last clash. Luckster’s fielding approach took the game away from the Afghans. They will look ahead to learn from their mistakes & bounce back to win this must-win fixture. On the other hand, South Africa has done a spectacular job with the bat & is already qualified for the semi-finals. The middle-order batters of Dussen, Klaasen, and Miller are equally threatening and capable of propelling the team to a big total.
Just like Australia, Proteas have struggled a lot in run chases as we have seen against India. They failed to face India’s fierce pace attack in their last fixture & were bowled for just 83 runs in the chase of 327 at Eden Gardens. Considering South Africa’s weakness in chasing runs, the Afghans will aim to bat first & then restrict the Porteas from chasing the total.
SA vs AFG TEAMS PREVIEW
South Africa Preview
South Africa will be a little upset from their recent loss against India as they couldn’t outclass them in any department of the game. De Kock was dismissed cheaply at the top by Siraj. While the number 3 and 4 batters lost their wickets to Shami. Then came spinners who took care of the middle order. De Kock will be Africa’s biggest bet on this pitch of Ahmedabad. But we can’t underestimate India’s bowling attack which can easily make merry of Proteas batting lineup.
However, there is not much to worry about for South Africa who have already qualified for the semi-finals. He should utilize this fixture as an opportunity to improve their chasing abilities. The likes of Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram are key to the middle order and will be eager to bounce back. Maharaj & Shamsi can trouble Afghan batters with lethal spin. While Rabada is another key bowler to watch out for South Africa. Overall, the Proteas are a tough side and will be keen on turning things around after their recent loss.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Afghanistan Preview
Rashid Khan & Hashmatullah missed their chance of dismissing Maxwell which cost them the fixture as he went on to post a double ton & guide the Aussies to victory. Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman fulfilled the remaining thing by dropping another crucial catch. These two moments were the game changers for Afghans as Maxwell made the best use of this lifeline to guide Australia to a glorious win.
Afghans’ batting looks lethal & chasing has been their strength in the tournament so far. Their batting looked quite impressive as they placed a perfect innings against the Aussies. Their middle order looked promising with consistent contributions from Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Azmatullah Omarzai. But the hundred from opener Ibrahim Zadran against a quality bowling attack of Australia must have boosted their confidence.
The veteran players in the team such as Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan must come together & strategize their game well if they aim to dismantle opponents’ batting attack. They will be against a quality batting lineup which has been exceptional while batting first. If Afghanistan is sent to bowl first then they will have a big challenge to face as South Africa has a fierce pace attack & posting a mammoth total will be a huge task.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq
SA vs AFG Pitch & Weather Conditions
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is quite balanced providing assistance to both batters & bowlers. The pitch initially aids spinners but gets better in the powerplay for batters as they can easily make strokes. The average 1st innings score here in ODIs is 237 runs. However, both teams have been in great touch and can score 275+ if they bat first. The highest score chased here was 325 runs & considering that a total of 280-320 can be a competitive first innings total.
Toss: To Bat
The team bowling first has won two out of three matches at this venue. The team batting first has enjoyed a good record on this pitch. And considering the stats on this pitch, the team winning the toss will opt to bat first.
SA vs AFG Winning Prediction
It will be a thriller to watch for as Porteas have already qualified for the semi-finals & this will be a practice match for them. Afghanistan is in a must-win position & will put its every effort into winning this clash & qualifying for the semi-finals. Both teams have some promising players in every department and are likely to put on a great show with both bat and ball. But considering the form of players & teams’ current form in the tournament, we think South Africa is the favorite to win this clash.
We Predict South Africa to win this clash
Also read, BAN W vs PAK W 3rd ODI Live Score, Bangladesh v Pakistan
