Asia Cup 2018, Match 3: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka - Afghanistan Predicted XI

Afghanistan is all set to start their campaign in the Asia Cup 2018 against Sri Lanka on Sunday (September 17). They will be hoping to stage a remarkable victory against the Islanders. If they manage to win against the Lions, they will directly go through to the Super 4’s. We’ve also prepared the predicted XI of Afghanistan.

After Bangladesh thrashed Sri Lanka in the opening match of the competition, Afghanistan will be confident enough with the fact that they can beat these deflated Sri Lankan side.

They have some superstars in the playing XI who on their day can do wonders for their team. The spinning department is the most potent weapon for the Afghanistan team. Even the batting department looks reliable and can turn the match on its head.

So, with Afghanistan’s opening match still, a day away, let us have a look at the predicted XI for Afghanistan.

Mohammad Shehzad:

The reliable wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shehzad is a force to reckon with. He can play the big shots to perfection and can change the game in a few overs. He is a potent striker of the ball and has modelled his batting and few of his shots on Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Javed Ahmadi:

He is a good batsman but hasn’t been consistent enough. He has been around the circle for the last 7-8 years. Ahmadi recently made his Test debut with most of the members who will be playing a crunch clash.

Ahmadi is a sensible batsman and has the ability to find the gaps. Along with Shehzad, Ahmadi will look to get Afghans off to a good start.

Asghar Afghan:

Prominent cricketer and a leader recently changed his name from Asghar Stanikzai to Asghar Afghan. However, the man is the same who knows how to build an innings.

As a skipper of the team, he has handled his troops well which have helped them win some unexpected matches. Afghan is a reliable middle-order batsman and can also play the big shots whenever required.

Mohammad Nabi:

Mohammad Nabi’s experience will come in very handy for Afghanistan all through the tournament. He is a remarkable all-round player who can help his side out with both his batting and bowling skills.

The veteran all-rounder generally comes out to bat at the No. 4 position and also bowls some handy off-breaks. Nabi will want to make a useful contribution for his nation all through the tournament.

Samiuallah Shenwari:

Samiullah Shenwari has played well in the recent past and boasts of an impressive record in international cricket. He can also bowl some useful leg-breaks and will look to play an essential part for Afghanistan against the Lankans.

In 71 One-day Internationals, he has scored over 1700 runs at an average of 29. He has also bagged 46 wickets in 78 matches.

Munir Ahmad:

The 22-year-old wicket-keeper might make his debut in Afghanistan colours. He is a useful gloveman and can also bat well.

In 14 first-class matches, Ahmad has scored over 1700 runs at an average of close to 50. In List A he has scored 339 runs in 11 games at an impressive average of 48.

Najibullah Zadran:

Zadran is an impressive left-handed batsman and can also bowl some handy right arm off breaks. However, he hasn’t quite bagged any wicket in international cricket. He is a useful batsman and has scored 1040 runs in 47 ODI’s at an average of 28.

Rashid Khan:

The star leg-spinner Rashid Khan is a sensational limited-overs bowler and has been one of the finest performers for Afghanistan in the recent past.

Rashid Khan is the No. 1 bowler in the shortest format of the game. His exploits have helped Afghanistan stage some major upsets. They also defeated eventual champions Windies in the 2016 World Twenty20. Rashid can also play some lusty blows as he showed during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Aftab Alam:

The right arm medium pacer Aftab Alam has a pretty decent run in his brief international career so far. He could swing the ball both ways and can push back any batsmen with his skiddy pace. In 15 matches he has bagged 21 wickets at an average of 26.

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman:

Wily customer Mujeeb Ur Rahman is another mystery spinner who can trouble any batsmen. His wicket of Virat Kohli in the IPL was one of the finest deliveries in the tournament.

Mujeeb has an uncanny action and has a lot of variations up his sleeve. He can trouble any batsmen, and he might be a trump card for Afghanistan all through the tournament along with Rashid.

Wafadar Momand:

Wafadar Momand is also a skiddy customer and touches the 140-mark on occasions. The right arm medium pacer recently made his Test debut against India and bowled quite well against a star-studded Indian batting line-up.

Wafadar will be a good inclusion in the side as Afghanistan hopes to stage an upset in their very first game against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2018.