ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 – Afghanistan vs India Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Afghanistan vs India taking place? Saturday 22nd June – 10:30 (UK)
Where is Afghanistan vs India taking place? Rose Bowl, Southampton
What is the expected weather for Afghanistan vs India? 19c with sunny intervals and no rain expected
What television channel is Afghanistan vs India on in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream Afghanistan vs India? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Afghanistan vs India? Tickets are still available to purchase for this match on Stubhub!
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Match tied
THE TEAM NEWS
AFGHANISTAN
Coach: Phil Simmons
Captain: Gulbadin Naib
- Afghanistan remain without a win in their first ever World Cup campaign, their latest defeat a 150-run mauling at the hands of England. The host nation racked up 397/6 in their innings with Afghanistan managing 247/8 in reply, their highest batting total so far of this World Cup.
- Whilst Afghanistan’s batting had been letting them down in their previous matches, it was their bowling who misfired badly against England. None more so than Rashid Khan, the star spinner conceding 110 runs from his nine overs, the most expensive return from a bowler in a World Cup match.
- Hashmatullah Shadidi top scored with a dogged 76 from 100 balls and after being struck in the helmet on 24 runs by a vicious bouncer from Mark Wood, he showed guts and determination to bat on. That knock, aided by cameos from Rahmat Shah and Asghar Afghan gave some encouragement for Afghanistan’s remaining World Cup matches and they will need to improve once again here.
INDIA
Coach: Ravi Shastri
Captain: Virat Kohli
- India retained their 100% World Cup record against their greatest rivals Pakistan, after beating them at Old Trafford last Sunday by 89 runs which was their third win from four World Cup games with the other match against New Zealand being rained off.
- Rohit Sharma top scored with a superb 140 from 113 balls and he was ably supported by opening partner KL Rahul (57) and captain Virat Kohli (77). With the ball, it was left arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav who stole the show, taking the crucial two wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam for the loss of only 32 runs from his nine overs.
- Batsman Shikhar Dhawan has been ruled out of the World Cup through injury as the Indian opener fractured his thumb whilst batting against Australia and will not play any further part in this World Cup. Rishabh Pant has been called up as his replacement and will be available for selection against Afghanistan although they are likely to be unchanged.
THE PREDICTION
Afghanistan will not fear their opponents after forcing a tie in their only previous one day international meeting against the Indians at last year’s Asia Cup but India are simply light years ahead with bat, ball and in the field. Only an unacceptable case of Indian complacency will stop them from making it four wins from five World Cup games.
