Asia Cup 2018: Super Four, Match 5: India vs Afghanistan - Toss Report

Afghanistan won the toss and decided to bat first against India in the fifth match of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Here is what the captains said:

MS Dhoni:

“We were looking to bowl first. Quite a few changes. Everybody who hasn’t played in this tournament gets a chance. They are part of the 15 and they are representing India. I was not really sure of where I am standing. It’s not in my control. Good to complete 200.”

Asghar Afghan:

“We will bat first. Today, the wicket would spin. We have made two changes. We lost two games. Today we will look to play confidently.”

Preview:

As far as the result of the game is concerned, it will have no bearing on the team’s fortunes in the tournament. India has already sealed a spot in the final while Afghanistan are out of it. But one can safely say that neither of the two teams will be taking the game lightly.

India have looked like the team to beat in the Asia Cup. Barring the first game against Hong Kong, they have blown away oppositions in each game. And the Men in Blue will be looking to continue their winning run before the final.

On the other hand, Afghanistan will be eyeing to bow out of the competition on a high. The Asghar Afghan-led side topped Group B before losing two close encounters against Pakistan and Bangladesh. A win against India will do a world of good to their ever-rising confidence.

Playing elevens:

Afghanistan:

Mohammad Shahzad(w), Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan(c), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Aftab Alam, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

India:

Lokesh Rahul, Ambati Rayudu, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni(w/c), Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Siddarth Kaul, Kuldeep Yadav, K Khaleel Ahmed