1. Match Analysis In Brief

KEY BETTING STATS

• Pakistan has beaten Afghanistan in all seven previous ODI fixtures between the two nations – To Win the Match
• Mohammad Rizwan has scored 30+ runs in all of his four innings played for Pakistan so far at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup – Batter Milestones
• Afghanistan has put on over 26.5 runs for the first wicket in each of their four matches played so far at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup – Team – Opening Partnership Total

BETTING ANALYSIS For PAKISTAN

Pakistan are all set for their first 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup fixture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium and could well adjust their team as appropriate on a pitch known to give significant assistance to the spin bowlers. With that in mind, Pakistan may bring vice-captain Shadab Khan back into the side after dropping him for their game against Australia and partner his leg-spin with that of Usama Mir.

When assessing the Pakistan batters, Mohammad Rizwan continues to stand out from the rest. Scores of 46, 49, 131 not out, and 68 across this World Cup so far underline his consistency and reliability. Back Rizwan to continue his brilliant form by scoring over 31.5 runs (1.83) for a sixth consecutive ODI innings. Three of those innings have seen Rizwan top score for Pakistan, so consider backing to do the same here (4.75) via the ‘Team – Top Batter’ market.

Since coming into Pakistan’s starting line-up three games ago, opener Abdullah Shafique has impressed, racking up 197 runs, including scores of 64, 20, and 113. Therefore, value is to be had to back Shafique to score 50+ runs (2.62) for the third time across this World Cup so far.

The spin should play a big role for both teams here in Chennai and with that in mind, investment in Pakistan’s spin bowlers represents a smart play. Wait until the teams are announced before making any moves, but both Usama Mir (5.50) and Shadab Khan (6.00) warrant investment via the Team – -Top Bowler market should each of them feature in this match.

BETTING ANALYSIS For AFGHANISTAN

The expectation was that playing in Chennai would suit Afghanistan with their plethora of good spinners, who successfully kept World Cup champions England under lock and key earlier in the tournament. However, they conceded 288 runs against New Zealand, before their batters wilted in response, bowled out for 139.

So much depends on the Afghanistan top order with the bat against a dangerous Pakistan bowling unit. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz proved his class vs England, smashing 80 from just 54 balls and the wicket-keeper-batter is the ideal player to take advantage of the powerplay. Gurbaz has struck over 0.5 match sixes in all four of Afghanistan’s World Cup fixtures so far, so backing him to do so once again in this one has to be favored (2.10).

Gurbaz’s speed with the bat is an area that can be capitalized on by bettors. He is expected to hit out from ball one and can be backed to reach the 10-run mark faster than opening partner Ibrahim Zadran (1.95). Those looking for a riskier play that offers a more lucrative return can back Gurbaz to finish as his team’s highest run-scorer (4.33) vs Pakistan.

As is the case with Pakistan, it is the Afghanistan spinners who come under the microscope here. Rashid Khan could have a big part to play on that front and when you also consider what he offers with a bat, a small stake in him being named ‘Player of the Match’ (11.00) may prove a smart move. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s spin could also reap rewards, so consider backing him to take over 1.5 wickets (2.37).

CRICKET 8’S EXPERT PREDICTION

This is a must-win contest for both teams with Afghanistan having won just one of their four group games so far and Pakistan coming off the back of consecutive defeats. Pakistan are unbeaten against Afghanistan in ODI cricket and will expect their bowlers to bounce back strongly after taking heavy punishment from Australia last time out. Especially on what should be a turning pitch in Chennai against a team bowled out for just 139 on this ground last Wednesday vs New Zealand.

If Afghanistan are to be successful in this encounter, they’ll need their superstar Rashid Khan to make inroads with the ball regardless of whether they are bowling first or second. The 25-year-old has taken six wickets across Afghanistan’s last three World Cup fixtures and in conditions that are expected to suit him, he represents a huge wicket-taking threat against the Pakistan batters. Regardless of the outcome between these two nations, back Rashid to pick up at least a couple of wickets here.

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RASHID KHAN TO TAKE OVER 1.5 WICKETS (2.00)

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