Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

AFG vs WI 1st ODI Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report. AFG vs WI 1st ODI Prediction Today. Afghanistan vs West Indies 1st ODI Preview Dream11.

With plenty of T20I cricket around the world in recent weeks, attention turns to ODI cricket. Two sides who disappointed at the 2019 World Cup meet in India, with the opportunity to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Afghanistan finished CWC2019 without a single win. Much of their demise was self-inflicted, with team management producing poor decision after poor decision. Now, Rashid Khan is at the helm, and after having led Afghanistan to a historic Test win over Bangladesh, the men in blue will be keen to continue the momentum in the ODI format.

Also read: 2019 World Cup rant: Team management ruined Afghanistan’s World Cup campaign

They meet West Indies, who they have a good record against. Like Afghanistan, change is significant in the Windies camp, with a new captain and new, exciting faces in the squad. Afghanistan in India is a significant challenge, but the Windies could be gearing up for a fearless brand of cricket.

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Key to an Afghanistan win

Afghanistan’s spinners played a key role in the matches they were most competitive in during the World Cup. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman’s miserly figures in powerplays, backed up by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi in the middle overs held Afghanistan in good stead.

Against a Windies lineup that looks attacking on paper, Afghanistan could look to nullify the threat with spin at all stages of the innings. However, the seamers also have a key role in building pressure, allowing the spinners to tighten the grip further.

Also, can Afghanistan make progress with the bat? Positives include Rahmat Shah as an excellent option for opener (if Afghanistan choose), along with the unearthing of Ikram Ali Khil. With the experience of Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi, a strong start for Afghanistan can mean very good news.

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Key to a West Indies win

The Windies have rewarded their star CPL performers. Brandon King, Kharry Pierre and Hayden Walsh Jr have been included in the limited-overs squads for this tour, indicating that the men from the Caribbean have attacking cricket on their minds.

However, how well will they execute their plans against Afghanistan’s strong spin attack? Mujeeb, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi represent an excellent trio, and how well the Windies rotate strike against these three, along with pouncing on the seamers, will be key.

Also, what impact will the Windies’ spinners have? Can they compete with Afghanistan’s? Hayden Walsh, with just one ODI under his belt (for USA), could be their main man right away, ensuring he delivers both control and wickets as the seamers look to pounce on Afghanistan’s tendency to lose quick wickets.

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Possible Playing 11

Do Afghanistan go back to Hazratullah Zazai in ODIs or do they persist with Rahmat Shah as opener? Also, Naveen-ul-Haq took 3/22 in the practice match vs West Indies, so he could get a game here.

Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Javed Ahmedi/Ibrahim Zadran, 3. Rahmat Shah, 4. Ikram Ali Khil (wk), 5. Asghar Afghan, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Najibullah Zadran, 8. Gulbadin Naib, 9. Rashid Khan (c), 10. Naveen ul Haq, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman

West Indies had a poor outing in their practice match. But, there is plenty of talent in their ranks. Can they get it right in the opening ODI? Roston Chase, who top scored in the warm up, could possibly miss out.

West Indies: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Shai Hope, 3. Shimron Hetmyer, 4. Brandon King/Roston Chase, 5. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 6. Kieron Pollard (c), 7. Jason Holder, 8. Keemo Paul, 9. Kharry Pierre, 10. Sheldon Cottrell, 11. Hayden Walsh Jr

Pitch and Conditions

Lucknow has hosted just one international match so far. West Indies were involved, and were on the wrong end of a Rohit Sharma onslaught.

The track in Lucknow is likely to assist spin as the game goes on, which makes batting first a good option. However, with clear conditions forecast for day and night, could dew play a role?

Stats and Facts

• Afghanistan’s last ODI was vs West Indies, losing by 23 runs in their final World Cup match.
• Afghanistan have won three of five completed ODIs vs West Indies.
• Rashid Khan’s best figures of 7/18 came against West Indies.
• Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer combined for 509 runs in WI’s ODI series in India 2018.

Dream11 Prediction

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Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Afghanistan in Asian conditions is a very tough proposition. Their strong spin attack could hold them in good stead, bringing victory that breaks a nine-match losing run dating back to the World Cup.

Thanks for reading!

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