If the last game is anything to go by, Pakistan might be on the right path to rebuilding, at least in the T20I format. There was something that had long remained elusive for the side, and that was playing the format as it should be played. That they were three down within eight overs suggests that Pakistan finally got rid of the notorious caution that kept dragging them backwards for years. Sure, the new strategy has yet to be tested by time, but failing with a plan is always better than doing so without knowing what’s happening.
Afghanistan might have trusted their middle order a bit more than they could cope with, especially with dew playing its role. A stagnant flow of runs, which caused the asking rate to increase, led to Pakistan striking at the right time and effectively taking the game fathoms away from Afghanistan.
The two sides have since won one game each, both against the United Arab Emirates. A win in this game is the most desirable, as then the only thing between the winning side and the final would be to avoid an upset against UAE. The way the series is going, unsurprisingly, Pakistan and Afghanistan might have another meet-up soon.
Team Overview:
Saim Ayub had a rare day where his bat didn’t churn any fire, which made Fakhar Zaman’s failure to go big not only more prominent but also uglier. The last time he scored a half-century was in May last year, and the wait for one is stifling both him and Pakistan.
While the lack of quick runs was made up for eventually by Salman Ali Agha’s brilliant 53-run knock in the first T20I and by Saim Ayub in the second, Pakistan can’t risk returning to old ways of putting all their eggs in one basket.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz opening with the returning Ibrahim Zadran was much touted. After the game against UAE, where Sediqullah Atal and Zadran both scored a half-century while batting in each other’s positions, the pair might be broken, with Atal given the chance to open instead. Sharafuddin Ashraf’s return to the side couldn’t have been grander, with him taking three wickets and adding more power to Afghanistan’s spin attack.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Afghanistan and Pakistan have faced off in seven T20Is, and although Pakistan are ahead with four wins, they have lost three of the last four encounters.
Weather and Pitch Report:
The weather in Sharjah will remain clear of any rain, but dew will play a part, as it often does here. The venue marginally favours batters over bowlers, but that advantage will likely grow as the series progresses. All the games so far have been won by teams batting first, and this is likely to remain the case. However, dew is likely going to make bowling difficult in the second innings, so it will be a tricky choice for the captains.
Prediction:
If Pakistan stay true to what they have promised to bring, it might be a difficult night for Afghanistan once again.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: ARY Sports, Ten Sports, Tamasha
Afghanistan: Etisalat
Bangladesh: Tapmad, T Sports
India: Fancode App, Euro Sport
South Africa: SuperSport Cricket
MENA: Cricbuzz, Sportainment
UK: ARY Digital
US: Willow TV
Elsewhere: Sports Central
