T20 World Cup 2022: Australia vs Afghanistan Match Preview, Playing XI, Head to Head, Where to Watch on TV, & Live Streaming Details for T20 WC

Australia and Afghanistan are all set to square off in the 38^th match of the T20 World Cup 2022, which will also be the first instance of the two teams facing each other in a T20 International. The two teams have locked horns thrice in the 50-over format, but are yet to be part of a 20-over battle. The two teams will be meeting for the first time since the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Australia, without a doubt, will be the favourites to win this contest, and they need to win this fixture at any cost, to keep themselves in contention for the semi-finals race. But they faced a few setbacks as almost three of their crucial players have been suffering from injuries, including skipper Aaron Finch who injured his hamstring in the previous game against Ireland. As a result, wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade stepped into the leadership role in his absence.

Marcus Stoinis and Tim David, the all-rounders, had niggles and thus opted to sit out during Australia’s fielding. Though that isn’t a major concern and they’re expected to play in the upcoming contest, Aaron Finch’s inclusion will remain to be a question. If in case the skipper opts out of the next game, Cameron Green will be his likely replacement in the playing combination.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, have already been eliminated from the tournament. Their campaign was hampered by the Australian weather conditions and two of their four games so far were abandoned. With just one game remaining to be played before they pack their bags, the Mohammad Nabi-led side would be looking to end their journey on a high.

Pitch Conditions

The contest will be played at the Adelaide Oval. The pitch has proved beneficial for the batters, and a high-scoring game can be witnessed. But the spinners too may receive some help here as the game progresses, after the surface is used.

Playing Combinations for AUS vs AFG

Australia

Australia have got no option, but to win this game. A loss would put curtains on their campaign at the ongoing tournament. Their NRR is lesser than England which would push them to bag a big win against Afghanistan. Injury concerns loom over the Men in Yellow, and their skipper’s inclusion in the game is still uncertain. Cameron Green might find a place if Finch misses out.

Predicted Playing XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch(c)/Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood.

Afghanistan

This game is a dead rubber for Afghanistan, but they would want to win their final game of the T20 World Cup before packing their bags. With the pitch being spin-friendly, Rashid Khan would look to take advantage and put the Australian batters in trouble.

Predicted Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Usman Ghani, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi

AUS vs AFG Head-to-Head

Played- 00 | Australia- 00 | Afghanistan- 00

AUS vs AFG Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 1:30 PM IST

TV- Star Sports

Streaming- Disney+Hotstar