NED vs AFG: Afghanistan playing XI vs Netherlands, Match 34, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

Afghanistan will lock horns with Netherlands in match No. 34 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Afghanistan have been playing some extraordinary cricket in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. At the start of the tournament, not many predicted their chances, but here they are, in the race for the semi-finals. With six points, Afghanistan have some chances to make it to the next round, but they need to play the best possible cricket.

Afghanistan will now face Netherlands in their next match on Friday, which will be played at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Netherlands have also done well and are coming off a big win over Bangladesh, so they can give a tough fight. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Afghanistan against Netherlands in Lucknow.

NED vs AFG: Afghanistan's Predicted playing XI vs Netherlands

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) :

Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be a huge wicket for Afghanistan at the top of the order. His starts are one of the reasons for the success of his team. Gurbaz has scored 224 runs at an average of 37.33 and a strike rate close to 100. He will look to get going from the start and take his team to a good position.

2. Ibrahim Zadran :

Ibrahim Zadran is another in-form player in this top-order. He makes a good opening combo for Afghanistan because he plays an anchor role when Gurbaz scores quickly, but when Gurbaz gets out, Zadran takes the aggressive approach. He has scored 212 runs at an average of 35.33 and gives an important start to his team in tough games.

3. Rahmat Shah :

Rahmat Shah started the tournament with some low scores but backed those up with some match-winning performances. In the last two games, he has played a big role in the chase and helped his team win the game. He has scored 212 runs at an average of 42.40 and will be the game-changer against Netherlands

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) :

Hashmatullah Shahidi has now become the first Afghan captain to lead his team to three wins in a single World Cup edition. The captain has led from the front and scored 226 runs at an excellent average of 56.50, and he will look to take his team to another important win.

5. Azmatullah Omarzai :

Azmatullah Omarzai will be the player to watch out for in the game against Netherlands. The all-rounder has been superb in both departments. He has scored 203 runs at an average and strike rate of 50.75 and 97.59, respectively. With the ball, he has taken five wickets and provided important breakthroughs for his team. Omarzai will look to continue his form and help his team win.

6. Ikram Alikhil :

Ikram Alikhil was hit on the finger in the last game and went off the field. He was not needed with the bat but is expected to play the game on Friday. Since he joined the team, Afghanistan have won three games, and he has done well in his limited chances. Ikram has scored 77 runs and will be required if Afghanistan lose some early wickets.

7. Mohammad Nabi :

Mohammad Nabi has been the most experienced player for Afghanistan and has played an important role in tough conditions. Though he hasn't had many chances with the bat, with the ball, he has restricted the opposition. With the surface in Lucknow helping spinners, Nabi can be very important with the ball and can take some wickets.

8. Rashid Khan :

Rashid Khan will be the X-factor that determines which way the game will turn. The leg-spinner will be the biggest threat for Netherlands because it is hard to score against him, and he also takes wickets in the middle. He has taken 7 wickets at an economy rate of 4.88, and don't forget his cameos with the bat.

9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman :

Just like Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is another spinner who takes plenty of wickets for his team in this format. Mujeeb can be hard to pick with his variations and can change the game with his spells up front. He has six wickets so far, and Netherlands have found it hard to play against quality spin, which can help him dominate.

10. Naveen-ul-Haq :

Though Naveen-ul-Haq hasn't picked many wickets, he has controlled the game brilliantly with the ball. Naveen is a pretty smart bowler and can bowl at different speeds. One thing that will be in his favor is the venue. Lucknow is his home ground in IPL, and he has found success bowling there, which is what he will be expected to deliver.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi :

Fazalhaq Farooqi is coming off a man of the match performance against Sri Lanka in the last game. He picked up 4/34 and took wickets upfront with the new ball. He can swing the ball into the left-handers and take it away as well, which makes him a difficult bowler to handle in the powerplay, and he will expect to replicate his performance once again on Friday.