ICC World Cup 2019: Match 24, England vs Afghanistan, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Last month, England chased down 161 in 17.3 overs versus Afghanistan at the Kennington Oval in London, though it was a warm-up match of the 2019 World Cup. Now, the two teams are again set to lock horns, this time in the main round of the mega event at the Old Trafford in Manchester. They have played four matches each thus far in the tournament and have had contrasting fortunes.

The Afghans are the current cellar dwellers, having lost all their games. The Brits slipped to a defeat at the hands of a resurgent Pakistan in Nottingham but rolled over South Africa, Bangladesh, and the Windies. They are placed fourth in the points table and another victory would take them to the top of the ladder. It goes without saying that England is the firm favourite to win the encounter.

Weather Report

There is a minimum chance of rain in tomorrow’s game and that’s a piece of pleasing news for the fans and the players. The clouds will be there throughout the match, but it won’t result in a downpour. The temperature will be in between the 14 degrees Celsius and 18 degrees Celsius. The humidity won’t be on the higher side with the numbers in the 60s and 70s.

Pitch Report

The India-Pakistan match had a decent batting strip and a track of the same sorts can be expected even this time around. But, the deck also helped the spinners to some extent and that’s where Rashid Khan may come into play. Teams might opt to bat first after winning the toss.

Playing combinations

England

The Three Lions have a couple of injury concerns. Jason Roy pulled his hamstring and he didn’t bat in the last game. He has been ruled out of the next two matches and James Vince comes in his place being the backup opener. There are also doubts over the fitness of Eoin Morgan, who has a back spasm. He has a 50-50 chance of playing the game. Moeen Ali didn’t play the last match and he may be roped in if Morgan doesn’t play.

Jonny Bairstow has started showing signs of his ominous self. Joe Root is also in tremendous form, having already scored a couple of centuries. Ben Stokes remains a crucial member of the side as well. Jos Buttler’s role will be crucial as he’ll lead the team, provided Morgan doesn’t make the cut. Leggie Adil Rashid needs to pull his socks up as he has conceded runs at 101.50 and got only two wickets.

Probable XI

James Vince, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C)/Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Afghanistan

The Afghans may bring back Najibullah Zadran, their leading run-scorer of the tournament thus far. The southpaw, in that case, would replace former captain Asghar Afghan, who got out for a five-ball duck versus the Proteas. The experienced Noor Ali Zadran has got a couple of decent knocks under his belt and he’ll be keen to convert his starts. Hazratullah Zazai also needs to be a little more consistent.

Rahmat Shah has to arrest his slump after scoring eight in his last three innings. Mohammad Nabi had one good match with the ball, picking up four wickets. Apart from that, he hasn’t been able to deliver. Skipper Gulbadin Naib has been dismal as well from all departments. On what seems to be a turning track, Rashid’s role will be critical. Hassan, Alam, and Dawlat have to perform as well.

Probable XI

Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Asghar Afghan/Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Gulbadin Naib (C), Rashid Khan, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan

Probable Top Performer

Jonny Bairstow – England | Rahmat Shah – Afghanistan

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local

The prediction is for England to win the match.