World Cup 2019, Match 24 - England vs Afghanistan - Toss Report

Hosts and favourites England will be looking to take one step closer to the semifinal when they take on Afghanistan. Two teams with contrasting runs in the competition so far will lock horns in Manchester today. Having won three of their opening four games, England are very much living up to the lofty expectations.

Barring the shocking defeat at the hands of Pakistan, England have looked in ominous form otherwise. The Eoin Morgan-led side has defeated South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies with ease thus far. They are more than likely to extend their winning run against Afghanistan.

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The Asian country has not quite managed to find its rhythm at the biggest stage of the game. Playing just their second 50-over World Cup, Afghanistan have looked short on experience. While the team is undeniably talented, the players have not quite managed to come together and deliver as per expectations.

Consequently, they are reeling at the bottom of the points table with four losses in as many games. A defeat against England will pretty much end their ambitious hopes of progressing ahead.

??????? "This is an important week. We want to get in that top 4 slot."
?? "We are trying to do our best. We know we have the potential to do well."#WeAreEngland and #AfghanAtalan both will give their best in today's #CWC19 clash! pic.twitter.com/CWnevjHx2H

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 18, 2019

Toss Report:

England won the toss and decided to bat first against Afghanistan in Manchester.

Here is what the captains said:

Eoin Morgan:

“We will bat first. Unfortunately, Jason Roy misses out, it’s a used wicket, they have done magnificently well to prepare the pitch, looks like a good wicket, played well the other day, carry for the seamers and turn for the spinners. Two changes, one forced, Vince replaces Roy and Moeen is back, in for Liam Plunkett

Gulbadin Naib:

“We would have batted first as well, looks a good wicket, slightly Asian conditions. We are disappointed with our batting, have not even played 40 overs, we have a good chance to restrict them to a good defendable score. Three changes for us, Dawlat, Najibullah and Mujeeb are playing – Aftab, Zazai and Hamid are not playing”

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Teams:

England:

Jonny Bairstow, James Vince, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood

Afghanistan:

Rahmat Shah, Noor Ali Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Ali Khil(w), Gulbadin Naib(c), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Dawlat Zadran