ICC World Cup 2019: Match 24, England vs Afghanistan: Captain and Vice-Captain for Dream11 Fantasy

England and Afghanistan have had contrasting fortunes in the 2019 edition of the World Cup. The hosts have won three out of their four matches and are currently placed fourth in the points table. Barring their loss versus Pakistan at the Trent Bridge, the Three Lions have looked clinical in their approach. In their last encounter, the Brits thumped the Windies by eight wickets at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

The Afghans, on the other hand, are staring down the barrel after four defeats in as many games. Their last defeat came against South Africa by nine wickets (DLS Method) at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Gulbadin Naib & Co. are next set to lock horns with England at the Old Trafford in Manchester. It’s pretty evident that the contest will be a must-win for the Afghans in order to stay alive in the tournament.

Here is the guide to select the Captain and Vice-Captain for Dream11 Fantasy:

Captain Suggestions:

Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow has scored 128 runs thus far in the World Cup at an average of 32. With an overall ODI average of 46.35, the 29-year-old has been a stalwart of the English batting lineup. The right-handed batsman has scores of 32, 51 and 32, but couldn’t capitalise on the starts. The Bradford-born would be keen to notch a century and help his team to their fourth victory in five games.

Dream11 Credits: 9.5 

Mark Wood

The 29-year-old Mark Wood picked up seven wickets in three games of the mega event. The speedster has an economy of 4.98, which shows that he has been accurate, bowling with the new ball as well as at the death. His best figures of 3/18 came in the previous match versus the Windies. The Afghan batting isn’t in the best of form and Wood can even run through their lineup.

Dream11 Credits: 8.5

Joe Root

Joe Root has arguably been England’s best bet with the bat in hand. With 279 runs at an average of 93, the Yorkshire-born is currently their leading run-scorer. His first century came in a losing cause versus Pakistan, but he made amends and churned out an unbeaten ton against the Caribbean team. Root is also a handy bowling option as he picked up two important wickets last time around.

Dream11 Credits: 10.5

Vice-Captain Suggestions:

Hazratullah Zazai

The left-handed Hazratullah Zazai has looked threatening in the World Cup. He has racked up runs at a strike-rate of 110.25, though he has only been able to fetch 86 runs at an average of 21.50. In his last three matches, the 21-year-old scored 30, 34 and 22 respectively. Hazratullah needs to be a little calculative in his strokeplay and that can help play a massive knock for the Afghans.

Dream11 Credits: 8.5

Chris Woakes

The 30-year-old hasn’t had the best of World Cups and is England’s most expensive bowler with an economy rate of 6.84. But, he has done reasonably with the bat in hand. Against the Windies, he was promoted to bat at number four and he got a handy 40 off 54 deliveries. He was also involved in a 04-run partnership with Root. He is expected to be a key player in the next match as well.

Dream11 Credits: 9

Liam Plunkett

Liam Plunkett has done well in the three games he has played thus far. He picked up a couple of wickets versus South Africa and was then benched against Pakistan. The 34-year-old was drafted back into the eleven versus Bangladesh and he hasn’t let his team down. Plunkett is no mug with the bat either as he churned out a 9-ball 27 while facing the Tigers’ bowling attack.

Dream11 Credits: 8

Final picks for your Dream11 Fantasy team

For Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Captain – Jonny Bairstow | Vice-Captain – Chris Woakes

For Grand/Mega Leagues:

Captain – Mark Wood | Vice-Captain – Hazratullah Zazai

*Disclaimer: These picks were made based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.