PAK vs AFG: Afghanistan playing XI vs Pakistan, Match 22, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 - Predicted

Afghanistan will face Pakistan in match No. 22 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai.

Afghanistan are sitting at the bottom of the table at the moment. They have struggled in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 so far and have suffered some big defeats. But the way they stunned defending champions England in Delhi and registered a historic win was just remarkable.

But they will feel confident going to Chennai for their next game. Afghanistan will face Pakistan in their next match on Monday at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. They have one of the best spin attacks and can exploit it in Chennai against Pakistan. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Afghanistan in Chennai against Pakistan.

PAK vs AFG: Afghanistan's Predicted playing XI vs Pakistan

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wk) :

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been the best batsman for Afghanistan since he made his debut in white-ball cricket. A few months ago, he scored a big hundred against Pakistan and can do it again. He will look to attack from the first over to put pressure on the opposition. Gurbaz has scored 159 runs in four games in this competition.

2. Ibrahim Zadran :

Ibrahim Zadran is one half of this dangerous Afghan opening duo. He is a very important player and has done well against Pakistan in ODIs. He has scored 86 runs so far in the ongoing tournament, but will be looking to play some big innings to take his team into a strong position. Pakistan will hope that he can get out early, or else he will be hard to dismiss.

3. Rahmat Shah :

Rahmat Shah has gotten a few good starts in this tournament but hasn't converted them into a big one, which has been a problem in the middle-order for Afghanistan. He has scored 76 runs in four innings, but he will be looking to make an impact because it is a must-win game for his team.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (C) :

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will have a big role to play in the game. He has been among the runs this tournament and has scored 120 runs in four innings, but that hasn't helped the team much. He is expected to play an important role in taking his team to a strong position because Afghanistan can't afford another defeat.

5. Azmatullah Omarzai :

Azmatullah Omarzai will be the key for Afghanistan during the middle overs, with ball and bat as well. He is a quality all-rounder who can bowl well and can move the ball well. He has taken three wickets as well. Omarzai has scored 130 runs with the bat and is a clean striker of the ball, which makes him an important asset.

6. Ikram Alikhil :

Ikram Alikhil missed the first two matches of the competition but made an excellent entry with a half-century against England, which was one of the reasons for that historic win. The left-hander is a good player against spin, which is why he gives a good option in the middle-overs. Then he can also clear the ground with his hitting ability.

7. Mohammad Nabi :

Mohammad Nabi is the most experienced player for Afghanistan and an important member of the team in both departments. He has big responsibility as a finisher with the bat and then as an off-spinner. His dual role will be very important because it will be hard to bat against him, and he can use his experience well with the bat.

8. Rashid Khan :

Without a doubt, Rashid Khan will be the biggest threat for Pakistan. He has always enjoyed a competition, and that's what he gets against Pakistan. Rashid can change the game with his short burst with the bat as well, and with the ball, he is a true match-winner. Pakistan will have a hard time playing against him.

9. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman :

Mujeeb-ur-Rahman is another big name in the spin department for Afghanistan. He is as good as anyone in the tournament and takes wicket with the new ball, which is very rare to see for a spinner. Mujeeb will be hard to get away from for Pakistani batters, who have struggled against a leg-spinner.

10. Naveen-ul-Haq :

Naveen-ul- Haq hasn't gotten many wickets in this tournament but has been a good bowler because he bowls some good off-pace and change-ups that have troubled the batters. But he can be a dangerous bowler. Afghanistan will want him to bowl for good overs to put pressure on the batters so that other bowlers can take wickets.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi :

Fazalhaq Farooqi will be the bowler that Afghanistan rely on to provide wickets with the new ball. The left-arm pacer brings the ball in for the right-hander and away from the left-hander, which makes him a difficult bowler to face. Afghanistan will hope that he can provide some early break-through so that they can put Pakistan under pressure.