ICC World Cup 2019: Match 42, Afghanistan vs Windies, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

The first out-an-out dead rubber in the 2019 edition of the World Cup is set to take place on July 4. The Windies and Afghanistan are scheduled to lock horns at the Headingley in Leeds. Both teams are already knocked out of the mega event in England and Wales. With only pride to play for, the bottom-ranked sides would be keen to end their campaign in the prestigious tournament on a positive note.

The Windies have lost everything after their win versus Pakistan in Nottingham. Jason Holder’s men were involved in a couple of close games versus New Zealand and Sri Lanka. But in both instances, they fell short. Even the Afghans had the chance of taking down India and Pakistan in a couple of humdingers. Unfortunately, Gulbadin Naib’s men lost those games and are still looking for the maiden victory.

Weather Report

There are no chances of a downpour and a full-fledged game can be expected on Thursday. 70 per cent cloud cover will be there, but it won’t be detrimental. The atmosphere will be nice and cool with the temperature between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be in the 60s at the start and will come down to the 40s by the end of the encounter.

Pitch Report

Two matches in Leeds have been played thus far in the World Cup. And both times, the team, the batting second had to play out of its skins. If the same track is used, then a high-scoring affair may not be on the cards. The spinners are most likely to play a massive part on a slow and low strip. Teams should look to bat first and put pressure on the opposition with spin-attack.

Team Combinations

Afghanistan

Hamid Hasan has already retired after suffering a hamstring injury in the previous game. One of Sayed Shirzad and Dawlat Zadran is likely to make the cut. Shirzad came in as Aftab Alam’s replacement before the last game. Rahmat Shah and Gulbadin Naib will keep on opening with the reliable Hashmatullah Shahidi at number three. Ikram Ali Khil looked solid after being promoted high up the order.

The middle-order has both experience and power with the likes of Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran and Samiullah Shinwari in their ranks. In the bowling department, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will hold the key on a spin-friendly track. Nabi’s role as the bowler will be important. As a skipper, Naib will need to a bit more judicious regarding decision making.

Probable XI

Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ikram Ali Khil (wk), Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Rashid Khan, Sayed Shirzad/Dawlat Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Windies

The Caribbean team may bring in Kemar Roach for Shannon Gabriel. After his decent show against India, Roach missed the last game due to illness. Gabriel conceded 46 runs in his five overs versus Lanka. Speedster Oshane Thomas is terribly out of form as well. Sheldon Cottrell has been outstanding throughout with 12 wickets. Left-arm spinner Fabian Allen can be tough to face on a slow strip.

The Windies batting has blown hot and cold, and needs to show a bit of maturity. Allen, Braithwaite and Pooran have been excellent in the last few games. But the rest of the batters have floundered and the batting hasn’t come across as a unit. Most of them have been guilty of throwing their wickets through rash strokes. The experienced Chris Gayle and Shai Hope haven’t done anything of substance of late.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, Jason Holder (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Kemar Roach/Shannon Gabriel

Probable Top Performer

Afghanistan – Rashid Khan  | Windies — Chris Gayle

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

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