SA vs AFG: Afghanistan playing XI vs South Africa, Match 42, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

Afghanistan will face South Africa in match No. 42 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad on Friday.

With three spots booked in the semi-finals, the race for knockouts has become more intense. Afghanistan are one of three teams that are playing for the last chance to book a seat in the semis. But their path is very difficult. They are left to play one game, which is against South Africa. This match will be played on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Afghanistan are coming off a heartbreaking loss against Australia after Glenn Maxwell snatched victory from them. That has left them in a do-or-die situation, and they need to beat South Africa by a good margin to improve their NRR. Hence, let’s talk about the predicted playing XI for Afghanistan against South Africa.

SA vs AFG: Afghanistan’s Predicted playing XI vs South Africa

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz :

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been on and off in the last few matches and couldn’t convert his starts into something big. But he will have this in mind and will look to make a big impact in this important game. Gurbaz has scored 255 runs so far and is a key player for his team. A good start can give his team hope for sure.

2. Ibrahim Zadran :

Ibrahim Zadran is coming off a brilliant ton against Australia, but it came in a losing cause. However, he will be confident enough to do something similar against South Africa to take his team into a good position. Zadran has scored 361 runs at an average of 51.57, which is very important if Afghanistan want to succeed against South Africa.

3. Rahmat Shah :

Rahmat Shah has been superb at No. 3 for Afghanistan and played a big role in their success so far in this tournament. He will be looking to deliver an impactful performance for his team, which can help them register a win against Proteas. Rahmat has been in good nick and has scored 294 runs with three half-centuries.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) :

Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will have a big job in his hands to take his team into the semis. But for that, he needs to deliver something special with the bat. He has been scoring runs but needs a captain’s knock on Friday. Shahidi has scored 308 runs at an average of 61.60, which are good numbers, and he will look to continue his good form on Friday.

5. Azmatullah Omarzai :

Azmatullah Omarzai is the x-factor in this team because he is a big striker of the ball and then picks up wickets as well. He has been brilliant for his team in this tournament. Omarzai has taken 7 wickets so far and was on a hat-trick against Australia. Then, he has also scored 256 runs at an average and strike rate of 51.20 and 100.78. He will be the player to watch out for.

6. Mohammad Nabi :

Mohammad Nabi gives a great balance to this team in both departments. The 39-year-old has been through ups and downs in his career, but this could be his last World Cup match if Afghanistan fails to qualify. Hence, he will look to put everything on the line and do whatever it takes to take his team into the semi-finals.

7. Ikram Alikhil (wk) :

The young wicket-keeper Ikram Alikhil is a pretty decent batter at No. 7 or 8. He has scored 77 runs in two innings and can be tricky to bowl at with his ability to play shots behind the wicket. So far, he hasn’t had many chances to bat, but he can smoke some big sixes down the order.

8. Rashid Khan :

Rashid Khan will be back on his home ground in IPL and will have a big fan following in the crowd. He is always up for a challenge and will be one who can turn the game in Afghanistan’s favor. Rashid will look to make a match-winning impact with bat and ball, and South Africa should make plans to tackle him.

9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman :

Mujeeb Ur Rahman had a bad day against Australia. He went for runs without taking a wicket and also dropped a straight-forward catch of Glenn Maxwell, which became costly. But he will be looking to move forward and take his team to a good position in this must-win match. He can take a few early wickets in the powerplay, which can worry South Africa.

10. Noor Ahmad :

Noor Ahmad is an exciting spinner to have in the team. The teenager has been doing well so far, taking five wickets in three innings. South African batters struggled against Indian spinners in the last game, and Noor can be another challenging spinner to face and score runs off.

11. Naveen-ul-Haq :

Naveen-ul-Haq was pretty impressive against Australia and swung the ball to trouble the batters. He has taken eight wickets so far and can make the ball talk. He is also a good death bowler and will challenge the big power-hitters of South Africa. Naveen has already announced his ODI retirement, and this could be his last ODI. Hence, he will look to put everything into putting his team to victory.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.