ICC World Cup 2019: Match 36, Pakistan vs Afghanistan – Toss Report

Pakistan, who are coming from consecutive wins, will look to put on another clinical performance against Afghanistan to keep themselves in contention for a spot in their semi-finals in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019.

Afghanistan, much like West Indies, have shown flashes of brilliance for brief moments in almost each of their matches. But are yet to put on a complete match performance, which keeps them deprived of their first win in this World Cup. While the bowlers put on a strong performance in their last two games against India and Bangladesh, lack of partnerships with the bat has cost them on both occasions. They will look to deliver a concrete effort against their neighbours Pakistan to spoil their party.

Read More: Kevin Pietersen Mocks Indian Team-Management For Ignoring Rishabh Pant

Also read: Watch: Afghanistan Players Are From Peshawar, Says Shoaib Akhtar

On the other hand, Pakistan have been unpredictable throughout the tournament. But they have picked up at the right time and now find themselves in a position identical to the one during their victorious campaign in 1992 World Cup. The bowling has looked solid throughout the tournament with Mohammad Amir leading the pack. The batting also looked good in the last, and they will strive to keep on the excellent job in their remaining games.

Date and Venue: Pakistan vs Afghanistan, June 29 (Saturday) at 3:00 PM IST, Headingley in Leeds.

Toss Report

Afghanistan skipper Gulbadin Naib has won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan at Headingley in Leeds.

Here is what the captains said,

Gulbadin Naib

The wicket looks good, it’s a sunny day. The wicket will help the spinners in the second innings. Pakistan is a good side, they’ve played plenty of good games. We beat them in the warm-up so we’ll put our 100 percent in this game. Hamid is back in the side, in place of Dawlat. We’ll try to put a good total on the board, so that it’s better for the spinners.

Sarfaraz Ahmed

We wanted to bat first but unfortunately toss is not in our hands. Our bowling line-up is bowling well so hopefully they’ll restrict them. Our momentum is very high, but we’re focusing on this match, not focusing too far. Wahab had a bit of an issue but he’s fine and playing today. We’re going with the same team.

Read More: ICC World Cup 2019: Plane Carrying Anti-Pak Banners Fly Over Leeds, ICC Issues Clarification

Playing XI

Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib(c), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shinwari, Najibullah Zadran, Ikram Ali Khil(w), Rashid Khan, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Pakistan:  Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed(w/c), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi