Preview
Time is running out for India in the 20-20 World Cup as after two heavy losses against Pakistan and New Zealand, the Men in Blue are starting down the barrel. The fight, the doggedness, and determination have all been missing. The team need to win all their remaining games, with big margins to stand any chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Almost all the experts and critics had billed India as the favourites for the showpiece event due to familiar sub-continent conditions. The preparation time was also strong owing to the recently concluded IPL but the team floundered. The biggest letdown for the team has been the batting performance. In both the losses against Pakistan and New Zealand, India could only score 151 and 110 respectively.
Few tactical things like the demotion of Rohit Sharma down to the number three too didn’t come off well. Also, going in with Varun Chakravarthy has so far not worked. Nonetheless, India would focus on the task at hand and will look to win by a big margin against Afghanistan.
The task won’t be easy as the Mohammad Nabi-led team have played good cricket and are placed second on the points table with two wins in three games. The team boasts of Rashid Khan, Nabi, and Mohammad Shahzad, who are genuine match winners. Leg spinner Rashid’s four overs will be crucial and India batters should be wary of him.
Pitch Conditions
The match will be played at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, one of the slowest and sluggish wickets in the UAE. In all the matches that have been played here, the teams have struggled to post even 150. It will be an evening game and dew will also have a say.
Weather Report
The temperature predicted on Tuesday (November 3) is 31 degrees Celsius.
Playing Combinations India
Ishan Kishan/Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakravarthy/ R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah
Playing Combinations India Afghanistan
Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Nabi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Hamid Hassan, Naveen-ul-Haq
India vs Afghanistan Broadcast Details
Match Timings – 07:30 PM IST
TV – Star Sports Network
Live Streaming – Disney + Hotstar