Two nights ago, Asif Ali hit Karim Janat for four sixes in an over to hand Afghanistan an emotional suffering against Pakistan. Ben Stokes, who was at the receiving end five years ago in the final of the last T20 World Cup, against Carlos Brathwaite, was among many to congratulate Asif.
Following that valiant overall performance against an in-form Pakistan, many have – belatedly – picked Afghanistan as a serious contender of the semi-finals from Group 2 in the ongoing edition, along with India and New Zealand. To strengthen their chances, Afghanistan will be looking to register a big victory against Namibia, in the afternoon fixture on 31 October at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi .
However, it is not going to be easy. Since their seven-wicket defeat against Sri Lanka in the first match of their debut tournament, Namibia have beaten the Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland. David Wiese and J.J. Smit have been the architects of their success, with both bat and ball. Ruben Trumpelmann, who was adjudged Player of the Match in their last encounter for his 3-17, will be in focus again.
For Afghanistan, this will be the last match for Asghar Afghan, who announced his retirement last night. With so many T20 specialists –Rashid Khan, Nabi, Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad, Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman – in the roster, they are well favourites on paper to pay tribute to Afghan with a winning note.
Namibia have not made any changes in their last two matches, and are unlikely to flirt with their winning combination. Afghanistan, on the other hand, may bring in Hamid Hassan for Janat. The two sides have never met in a T20I fixture before. So, expect a fascinating contest on the cards.
Likely XIs
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Hamid Hassan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Namibia: Craig Williams, Zane Green (wk), Gerhard Erasmus (c), David Wiese, Michael van Lingen, J.J. Smit, Jan Frylinck, Pikky Ya France, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back Afghanistan. Add as many Afghan bowlers as you can. Make Mujeeb and Rashid captain and vice-captain respectively.
- From Namibia, Erasmus, Trumpelmann, Smit and Wiese cannot be ignored.
- Among wicketkeepers, pick Shahzad over Green.
Prediction
Afghanistan should win this comfortably.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad, Gerhard Erasmus, Najibullah Zadran, David Wiese, Mohammad Nabi, J.J. Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Rashid Khan (vc), Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman (c).