Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
CWC 2019 Match 24: England v Afghanistan Preview Dream11. ENG vs AFG Dream11 Prediction
Will the incredible events in Taunton be sandwiched by two damp squibs in Manchester?
Old Trafford hosts its second game in three days following India’s comprehensive win over Pakistan. Hosts England are back in action after two straight wins, getting their campaign back on track after a loss to Pakistan two weeks ago. The hope for a competitive, close game in CWC 2019 is unlikely to be fulfilled, with form and paper suggesting the hosts should have little trouble today against an Afghanistan side that has caused plenty of self-inflicted harm. Can the Afghans put together a big performance today – the kind that was expected of them before the tournament, after a string of disappointing defeats?
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Key to an England win
Afghanistan have gone past 200 only once so far in CWC 2019. The last two games in particular has seen middle order collapses after promising powerplays against the likes of Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada. So, the England change bowlers could have just as an important role as the in-form Jofra Archer in further hurting Afghanistan’s batting prospects in this tournament. Executing well with the ball was at the centre of England’s big win over West Indies, and they will want more of the same against a struggling batting lineup.
Also, the tournament favourites have a chance to flex their muscle with the bat. England are still not short of power even with Jason Roy out with a hamstring injury; the aim inflicting more doubt in the minds of Afghanistan’s bowlers and fielders who are also producing moments to forget. The top order, including Joe Root, has been dominant in their last two wins – can they make it three straight great starts?
Key to an Afghanistan win
What a sight this would be.
To stand a chance, Afghanistan’s batsmen have to hold the fort better than they have previously. If they get the chance to bat first on a used pitch, batting the full 50 overs will be crucial to get a total the spinners can bowl at.
Hazratullah Zazai, despite his ODI troubles, has helped build decent starts with Noor Ali Zadran. Afghanistan will hope for the same again, but can their misfiring middle order step up? It is incredible to think that Afghanistan dropped in-form Najibullah Zadran last game, but those selected need to play as straight as possible and rotate the strike effectively to give themselves a chance with wickets in hand.
While handling Jofra Archer and co. will be a big ask, so too will be restricting England’s power hitting. The likes of Hamid Hassan and Aftab Alam have had some good moments in CWC 2019, but their inconsistencies are reflective of the team’s fortunes. Can Afghanistan make inroads in the powerplay? Will Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi be given the chance to target England’s hard-hitting middle order with some turn on offer? Will Afghanistan’s awful fielding improve today, saving runs instead of letting them through?
In a game like this, Afghanistan have to get just about everything right while hoping England have an off-day.
Pitch and conditions
“Weather in Manchester” took a huge spike in the Google Search world on the weekend. Here, the forecast looks pretty promising with the sun expected to make an appearance right throughout the day. The pitch will be the same one used for the India-Pakistan game, so the spinners can have a say.
Possible Playing 11
Jason Roy is out for at least two games with a hamstring tear sustained against West Indies. Also, Eoin Morgan had back spasms but trained on match eve, so he could play.
England: 1. Jonny Bairstow, 2. James Vince, 3. Joe Root, 4. Eoin Morgan (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Jos Buttler (wk), 7. Chris Woakes, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Liam Plunkett, 10. Adil Rashid, 11. Mark Wood
Afghanistan team management has lost the plot with their decisions over the last few weeks, so who knows who they will pick and drop?
Afghanistan: 1. Hazratullah Zazai, 2. Noor Ali Zadran, 3. Rahmat Shah, 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi, 5. Asghar Afghan/Najibullah Zadran, 6. Gulbadin Naib (c), 7. Mohammad Nabi, 8. Ikram Ali Khil (wk), 9. Rashid Khan, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman/Aftab Alam, 11. Hamid Hassan
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Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
Stats and Facts:
- England and Afghanistan have played a single ODI against each other to date. England won a rain-affected match by nine wickets in the 2015 World Cup.
- Legspinners Adil Rashid and Rashid Khan have taken a combined 259 ODI wicket since the last World Cup.
- Afghanistan have crossed 200 just once in four games so far this tournament.
Match Prediction
Another tough day awaits Afghanistan. While they are capable of having some good moments, sustaining it for long enough seems too much of a challenge.
England have too much quality and experience to let this one slip. England to win.
Also read: Be sure to check out my “key talking points” after each CWC 2019 game! The latest:
India vs Pakistan: India too good for hapless Pakistan
Afghanistan vs South Africa: RANT – Disgraceful Afghanistan team management
Australia vs Sri Lanka: Finch and Starc superb for Australia
Download: Making cricket an interactive experience! Discover Harrison Cricket Apps ODI version.
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