ICC World Cup 2019: 3 Reasons why Afghanistan will reach the semi-final of the tournament

3. Better team balance than Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Windies

The Afghanistan team looks quite good on paper with the right mixture of youth and experience. The form of Mohammad Shahzad at the top will be crucial for them in high-scoring English conditions. The wicketkeeper-batsman can score briskly and is known for giving his team a flying start. They have some quality batsmen in Javed Ahmadi, Rahmat Shah and the experienced Asghar Afghan.

Also, the quality all-rounders in Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan in the lower order they have depth in their batting line-up. They have the right blend of aggression and cautiousness in the team.

The overs from 11 to 40 mark huge importance in ODI format nowadays and it is important to keep picking wickets during this period.  With the experience of Mohammad Nabi and the mystery of Mujeeb Ur Rahman along with the miraculous Rashid Khan, they form a dangerous spin bowling trio which can change the course of the game and choke the opposition.

Though they need a genuine fast bowler in their ranks, a current lot is doing enough to keep the team in Afghanistan and the aforementioned reasons suggest that they have the ability to stun quite a few teams in the World Cup.

~ Written by Rohit Modi