AFG vs NAM: Afghanistan’s (AFG) Predicted Playing XI Against Namibia (NAM) - ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 27

After winning their first game of the Super-12 stage against Scotland by 130 runs, Afghanistan suffered a 5-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan on Friday. They got off to the worst possible start and as a result, managed 147 runs in the first innings.

The spin trio kept Afghanistan’s hopes alive in the second innings, however, four sixes in the penultimate over from Asif Ali denied Afghanistan to win their second consecutive match.

Mohammad Nabi and Co. are slated to play their third game against Namibia. Here’s a look at their predicted playing XI.

AFG vs NAM: Afghanistan’s (AFG) Predicted Playing XI Against Namibia (NAM) – ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Match 27

Openers: Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai

The destructive opening pair of Mohammad Shahzad and Haratullah Zazai should continue opening the batting for Afghanistan in the next game. The duo stitched a 54-run partnership against Scotland.

However, they couldn’t replicate the same against Pakistan. Zazai got out on a duck, while Mohammad Shahzad got out on 8 off 9 deliveries.

Middle-Order: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan and Najibullah

Afghanistan boasts of a powerful middle-order, having got the likes of Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan and Najibullah in their ranks. Gurbaz (46 off 37) and Najibullah (59 off 34) made significant contributions against Scotland but failed to make an impact on Friday. The fans would hope that they come good against Namibia on Sunday.

All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, and Rashid Khan

The likes of M Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, and Rashid Khan add depth to this batting unit. M Nabi and Gulbadin stitched an unbeaten 71-run partnership for the sixth wicket to take his team to a 147-run total in the first innings. Nabi scored 35 off 22, while Gulbadin amassed 35 off 25 deliveries. Rashid Khan is yet to play a ball in the tournament.

Bowlers: Naveen Ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur-Rahman, and Hamid Hassan

In a big to strengthen the fast bowling department, Afghanistan might bring a seamer i.e., Hamid Hassan into the eleven. Hassan has 29 wickets in 21 T20Is at an economy of less than 7. Mujeeb Ur-Rahman will once again be seen bowling in the powerplay.

He returned with impressive figures of 1 for 16 in 4 overs against Pakistan. Naveen-Ul Haq should complete the playing XI. He has been impressive in both games. The last game saw him returning with figures of 1 for 22 in 3 overs.