Time operating out: Babar and Co. must regroup rapidly as they method the must-win territory.
| Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B
While the on-field rivalry between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to be in its infancy, crowd disturbances, edge-of-the-seat finishes, and scuffles between gamers have already lent it the type of rhetoric that maybe higher describes occasions in a bullring than in a cricket stadium. The ICC 2023 World Cup match on the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday is an efficient likelihood to see if the on-field motion has retained the same needle.
Afghanistan’s spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi can pose a problem to Pakistan’s unstable center order if it discover its rhythm.
The approach skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi deploys Rashid can even affect the consequence. In a match towards India, Rashid got here in when India was 125-0 in 14 overs, which appeared an odd determination. However, towards England, he entered the sport when the Three Lions have been 82 for 3 off 16 overs, exactly the place he excels.
Rashid’s tempo is fast for a spinner, and on a barely two-paced Chepauk floor, he’ll goal the stumps and search for LBWs. While the Pakistani top-order batters have an affinity for the sweep, they need to think about hitting down the bottom towards Rashid. This match shall be performed on the identical pitch that was used for India’s match towards Australia.
Against New Zealand, Afghanistan’s innings took a downturn when the center order got here in — the final seven wickets fell for simply 42 runs. Afghanistan must shore up its typically rash, usually lax middle-order.
Afghanistan’s coach, Jonathan Trott, had additionally expressed considerations about fielding as his workforce missed six possibilities in its loss to New Zealand. Unless it improves on this side, Pakistan might capitalise on its errors.
Meanwhile, there are complications aplenty for Pakistan. Its tempo assault tends to float if Shaheen Afridi doesn’t get early wickets. Babar Azam’s type and persevering with struggles with spin don’t allay considerations both.
In this situation, it is going to be intriguing to see whether or not the workforce with superior abilities or the one with higher management of feelings wins.
