Things are about to get exciting in the cricket world as two fierce sides Pakistan and Afghanistan are all set to lock horns in an ODI bilateral series for the first time. The two competitors have met in a 50-over format four-time but have yet to be in a bilateral series. The three-match series is due to take place from 22 to 26 August in Sri Lanka. Even before the dust settles down, Asia Cup will be upon us and both teams will be back at it again starting from 30th August. The ODI series and Asia Cup will be followed by Cricket World Cup in October. Let’s take a look at what the squads have in store for the mega-events.
ODI series and Asia Cup
The Afghan Squad
Afghanistan’s squad for the ODI series and Asia Cup comprises some hard-hitters and a powerful bowling line-up. On their best day, their bowlers can ruin the most stable of batting combinations.
Batters to watch
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is currently one of the most polished batsmen for the men in blue. The opening batter is the most sought-after name when it comes to league cricket and carries a myriad of experiences. The wicket-keeper batter in the recently concluded ODI series against Bangladesh scored 173 runs in three innings.
The Zadran duo is the one to look out for. Alongside Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran is the perfect opening partner. In just 14 innings, the 21-year-old has already accumulated four centuries and averages 62.41 in the one-day format. On the other hand, Najibullah Zadran is Afghanistan’s key middle-order batsman. With an average of 30.04 in the middle, the left-hander is the perfect ingredient for consolidating the game.
Bowlers
The most exciting player in the announced Afghan squad has to be Noor Ahmed. In just 18 short years of his life, Ahmad not only made it to the national side but has garnered massive experience in the world of league cricket. The lethal left-arm spin prodigy recently took 16 wickets in this year’s version of the IPL. It’s arguable that the lad’s ODI experience is bleak but on Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly pitches he can run over the most skilful of batters.
Watch out for Fazalhaq Farooqi because he is aggressive (pun intended). With 27 wickets in 16 innings and an economy of 5.07 Farooqi will be a force to reckon with. The 22-year-old bulldozed Bangladesh’s batting line-up in the 50-over bilateral series held in July this year taking a total of eight wickets in three matches. He took the most wickets in the T20I series against Pakistan.
Pakistan Squad
A combination of young and experienced, the green team squad for the ODI series and Asia Cup looks sturdy and brawny. Led by none other than Babar Azam, the group looks well-balanced for the two major events.
Batters to look out for
Tayyab Tahir is one of the most thrilling additions to the Pakistani troupe. Laced with classy shots Tahir’s recent stint in the ACC Men’s Emerging Cup has been nothing short of phenomenal. A scintillating century against India in the final that won them the trophy saw him book a spot in the national squad. He’s well-conditioned to the Lankan soil.
Abdullah Shafique is the opening mainstay the team needs to combat Afghanistan’s spin attack. The calm and clear-headed batter will be crucial in anchoring the team, especially on Sri Lankan soil. Shafique’s brilliant 201 in Colombo last month shows no one deserves a spot more than him.
Bowlers to watch
In Usama Mir Pakistan has found another brilliant leg-spinner. Though it will be his first time playing against Afghanistan and his first time in Sri Lanka, Mir has already proved his mettle as a reliable spinner. The 27-year-old has 10 wickets in six matches and possesses an economy rate of 5.29.
Watch out for Naseem Shah because he loves to bowl on the host nation’s pitches and take wickets. In just eight ODI innings, the fast bowler has aggregated 23 wickets at an economy of 4.73. Naseem’s experience on the Lankan soil, combined with his speed and intricate wrist movement will be vital in stopping the power-hitting of the opponents.
Pak v Afg head-to-head in ODI series and Asia Cup
When it comes to head-to-head between the two mighty teams, Pakistan has always been the dominant side. The two sides have come face-to-face four times in the 50-over game and have always won. They’ve faced each other twice in UAE and once in England and Bangladesh but never in the upcoming host country. Also, as mentioned before, this will be the first time the two nations will play an ODI bilateral series.
As far as Asia Cup is concerned both nations have locked horns thrice and team green has won all three times. Their last outing in Asia Cup 2022 was the kind that will be remembered for a long time. Haris Rauf’s and Naseem Shah’s heroics with the ball hindered Afghanistan to a low total of 129. In the second inning, Afghanistan’s pace and spin attack ran into Pakistan’s batters. The men in blue were about to clench victory when Naseem decided otherwise. Shah went full berserk on Fazalhaq’s two full-toss deliveries. Green shirts not only won the match but reserved themselves a spot in the finals.
Winning Records in Sri Lanka
In the past four years, team Afghanistan has played six ODIs in the host country while Pakistan did not play a single ODI on these pitches in the same time frame. Out of these six, the Afghan team has managed to win just two. On the other hand, Pakistan recently whitewashed the Lankans in the two-match test series and has a brilliant win percentage in ODI’s overall
The ODI series and Asia Cup are excellent opportunities for the two sides to polish their skills, calculate their weaknesses and rule them out before the mega cricket World Cup in India later this year. Besides this bilateral series will be a treat for the eyes of the fans. Any cricket match that involves these teams is always a thrill to watch.
