Afghanistan vs Pakistan – 3rd One-Day International Preview & Prediction

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

THE FACTS

When is Afghanistan vs Pakistan taking place? Saturday, August 26th, 2023 – 10:30 (UK)

Where is Afghanistan vs Pakistan taking place? R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

What channel is Afghanistan vs Pakistan on? Afghanistan vs Pakistan will not be televised live in the UK

Where can I stream Afghanistan vs Pakistan? Afghanistan vs Pakistan cannot be streamed in the UK

LAST MEETING
Pakistan beat Afghanistan by one wicket

THE LOWDOWN

AFGHANISTAN

It’s going to be hard for Afghanistan to pick themselves up after losing such an incredible second ODI that went right down to the wire. It was a magnificent performance, set up by a first wicket partnership of 227 between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Gurbaz went on to score 151, the highest individual score against Pakistan by a wicketkeeper in ODI cricket, beating a record held by India’s MS Dhoni. Afghanistan’s final total of 300/5 though, was just not enough by the barest of margins

PAKISTAN

Pakistan may well have been happy to keep Afghanistan to just 300 after such a large opening partnership and in the end, they’ll feel that their comeback with the ball was crucial to their success. The run chase went down to the wire, with key contributions from Imam ul-Haq, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan. But tail-ender Naseem Shah was the hero down the order. With one wicket remaining, Naseem hit two crucial boundaries and ultimately led his side home with a ball to spare.

THE PREDICTION

With the series now decided, it won’t be easy for either side to mentally prepare themselves for a battle as gruelling as the second ODI, especially when taking into account the dramatic fashion in which it ended. Pakistan though have the clear edge psychologically after coming out on the right end of such a tight match. Afghanistan may not reach the levels that they managed to on Thursday and backing Pakistan to win again looks the sensible play.

TIP: PAKISTAN TO WIN