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Afghanistan’s one-off Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida was washed out without a ball bowled, meaning they now move straight to white ball action, taking on South Africa
DATE/TIME: Wednesday 18th September 2024 - UK – 1:00pm / India – 5:30pm / US EST – 8:00am / US PST – 5:00am
VENUE: Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
WEATHER: Extremely hot conditions with bright sunshine and temperatures of over 36c.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not Televised / India– Not Televised / US – Willow TV
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Not Streamed / India – Not Streamed / US – Willow TV
AFGHANISTAN FORM: MONTHS SINCE LAST ODI ACTION
The last time Afghanistan competed in ODI cricket was all the way back in March against Ireland, so it may be somewhat of a mystery as to what we’ll get from them in this first game against the Proteas. It may take them time to adjust to the 50-over-format, which requires a mix of both control and aggression depending on the circumstances.
LAST FIVE: WAWLW
SOUTH AFRICA FORM: TRANSITION LIKELY BENEFICIAL FOR TOURISTS
After losing in the T20 World Cup final, South Africa were swept last month by West Indies in a three-match series, so moving to 50-over action here may well work in their favour following those frustrations in the 20-over format. Although their squad is inexperienced with a number of players honouring commitments at the Caribbean Premier League, whilst others are being rested.
LAST FIVE: LWLLW
AFGHANISTAN BETTING ANALYSIS
The name that pops off among the Afghanistan batting order is Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has worked hard to establish himself as one of the most dangerous top order batters in white ball cricket, whether it be through his franchise gigs or with his country. Back him to showcase his quality here against this South African bowling unit by finishing as Afghanistan’s top batter.
SOUTH AFRICA BETTING ANALYSIS
If South Africa are going to be successful across this series, then Aiden Markram could be key for them both in terms of his batting and experience out in the field. Markram is well-suited to ODI cricket, boasting a great temperament and the ability to switch gears very quickly when required. Back him to record a significant score here, specifically to accumulate a half-century.
AFGHANISTAN VS SOUTH AFRICA EXPERT PREDICTION
Sharjah is a ground where spin-bowling may well come to the fore, especially when taking into account the searing hot conditions. Afghanistan have plenty of experience playing in the UAE and at this venue specifically, which may well give them an edge over their opponents. Their squad is stacked with seasoned white ball campaigners and it’s well worth backing them to take the lead in this series.
AFGHANISTAN VS SOUTH AFRICA TIP: AFGHANISTAN TO WIN