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Match Details
Date: October 31, 2021
Time: 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Preview: The match number 27 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 will be played between Afghanistan and Namibia at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Both teams have beaten the same opponent, that is Scotland, to register their only win in the tournament so far. While Namibia have played only one game in the Super 12, Afghanistan played their second game against Pakistan.
Head-to-head: Both the sides will be meeting each other for the first time in a T20I.
Pitch Report: The surface of Sheikh Zayed Stadium has clearly been a bowling paradise as the sluggish pitch hardly offers any help to the batters. Out of the 8 games that took place at the venue, 7 have been won by the teams batting second. So, it is clear that chasing is comparatively easier on the pitch.
Team Analysis:
Afghanistan: In spite of losing heart, the Afghans should be happy with the fight they put up against Pakistan. However, they need to work on certain departments before facing Namibia. Their openers Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad need to be more promising. Meanwhile, the middle-order and the lower middle-order seem quite well settled. Talking about their bowling, the spinners have been on the money but the pace departments needs some improvement, especially Karim Janat who conceded 24 runs in the penultimate over against Pakistan.
Namibia: The side won the first game against Scotland but the upcoming assignment could be an uphill task for them if they don't play their A game. A lot of eyes will be on left-arm pacer Ruben Trumpelmann, who had killed the game against Scotland in the first over itself, courtesy his 3-wicket stunner. Meanwhile, Jan Frylinck has been another key to the side's success in bowling as he has delivered consistently with the ball. All-rounder JJ Smit and David Wiese's performances will also play a crucial role in determining the game's fortune on Sunday.
Squads
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asghar Afghan, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Fareed Ahmad, Usman Ghani, Hamid Hassan
Namibia: Craig Williams, Zane Green (wk), Gerhard Erasmus (c), David Wiese, Michael van Lingen, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Pikky Ya France, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Stephan Baard, Michau du Preez, Karl Birkenstock, Ben Shikongo
Match Prediction:
Conclusion: Afghanistan are clear favourites to win the game considering the amount of experience and exposure their players have got so far. Meanwhile, the side also possesses some world-class players who are capable of single-handedly winning the game for the side.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s personal point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.