The idea of succeeding in the Qualifiers and then flourishing against ‘the big boys’ to advance in the knockout stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 has been among the talking points in the cricket fraternity over the last few days. Scotland have done the first part magnificently, winning all three games to join the Super 12s for the first time in the history of the tournament.
The second part of their journey begins tonight. Their first hurdle is Afghanistan, the country that boasts of Rashid Khan. Scotland have attempted to beat them six times so far, every time without success. They will look to break the deadlock on 25 October, with so much confidence they have at this point of time with a stupendous form on the back.
Like Scotland, Afghanistan, too, were an Associate Nation not too long ago. They have now accomplished themselves as one of the strongest sides in this format. Along with Rashid, the likes of Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad, Mujeeb ur Rahman and Naveen-ul-Haq have played crucial roles to transform their side into conquerors.
In their last warm-up match against West Indies, Afghanistan showed their calibre. Not only they did pile 189/5 after coming to bat, but their spin-dependent bowling unit also restricted the defending champions to 133/5.
Hazratullah Zazai can be the star of the tournament for Afghanistan. Known for his destructive hitting ability, Zazai has aggregated 570 in 15 T20Is so far at a staggering strike rate of 155, averaging 40.71.
For Scotland, Josh Davey will be the key. A star of the 2015 World Cup, Davey has scalped eight wickets in the three games so far in the tournament at an impressive economy rate of 5.82 and an average of 8.37. Richie Berrington can play spin well, and will play a pivotal role in this contest.
Likely XIs
Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Najibullah Zadran, Asghar Afghan, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hamid Hassan, Naveen-ul-Haq.
Scotland: Kyle Coetzer (c), Matthew Cross (wk), George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Calum MacLeod, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Josh Davey, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Wheal.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Back Afghanistan. Make Rashid captain and Nabi vice-captain. Both can be handy with both bat and ball.
- Among wicketkeepers, include both Cross and Shahzad. Both are dependable batters.
- Do not ignore Greaves. We all saw what he did in Scotland’s opening fixture against Bangladesh.
Prediction
Afghanistan should win, but not by a fair margin against the in-form Scottish side.
Blitzpools Fantasy XI
Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi (vc), Mohammad Shahzad, Matthew Cross, Hazratullah Zazai, George Munsey, Richie Berrington, Chris Greaves, Josh Davey, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq.