Match Details

The second match of the Afghan One-Day Cup will be played between Khost Province and Helmand province at the Khost Cricket ground.

This match is scheduled to start at 09:00 AM Local Time (10:00 AM IST) (04:30 AM UTC).

Preview

On the first day of the Afghan One-Day Cup 2020, Khost Province will lock horns with Helmand Province in the second game. Both, Khost Province and Helmand Province would want to get off to a flyer. With both the sides playing their first game and with new members in the squad, a little bit of uncertainty factor also kicks in.

However, Khost Province will look to continue from where they left off last time. They made it to the semis in the previous edition of the tournament and will look to go the further distance this time around. Helmand will be featuring in their first season and will look to make it big.

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Weather Report:

The weather in Khost is said to be conducive for this game. There is expected to be minimal cloud cover with fewer chances of rain. The temperatures will be hovering around the early 30s.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Generally in the first few games of a tournament, pitches tend to assist the bowlers. Conditions are expected to get better for batting as the tournament progresses.

Average first innings score: N/A

Record of teams chasing: N/A

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Injury and Availability news:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Probable Playing XIs:

Khost Province

Shahid Kamal (C), Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Rahim Mangal, Sadam Mangal, Mohammadullah, Bakhtar Atal, Haseebullah, Shaheen (WK), Noor Ahmad, Hashim Khalil Gurbaz, Mohammad Naseem.

Bench: Ehsan Mangal, Nemat, Rahmanullah Zadran/Naveed Obaid

Helmand Province

Dastgir Dotani (C), Rahim Sahak, Sharifullah, Qudratullah (WK), Abdul Bari, Abdul Nafee, Nazir Ahmad, Ahmad Zia, Hikmanullah, Lutfullah, Mohammad Rasool

Bench: Hekmatullah, Abdul Hakim, Bari Kakar/Zalmai Khan

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Top Picks:

The likes of Qudratullah, Rahim Sahak, Dastgir Dotani, and Nazir Ahmad are a must in your fantasy team.

Rahim Sahak and Dastgir Dotani are safe bets. The former has proved to be a handy batsman and a decent bowler with a top score of 151 and 8 wickets in 5 FC games. The latter is the captain of Helmand Province and is a good bowler.

Qudratullah can be a good option for the wicket-keeping slot. He has got a high score of 67 in 5 FC games and is the better of the keepers involved in the game.

Shahid Kamal is also a good pick and has got 6 centuries in 21 FC games while Rahim Mangal has got 2 centuries in 30 domestic games across formats. He also has 28 scalps to his name in the domestic circuit.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Sadam Mangal, Shahid Kamal

Vice-Captain Options – Nazir Ahmad, Rahim Sahak

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper –  Qudratullah

Batters – Nazir Ahmad, Sadam Mangal (C), Mohmadullah, Rahim Mangal

All-Rounders – Shahid Kamal, Rahim Sahak (VC), Hashim Khalil Gurbaz

Bowlers – Mohammad Naseem, Lutfullah, Dastgir Dotani

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Shaheen

Batters – Nazir Ahmad (VC), Sadam Mangal, Habatullah, Rahim Mangal

All-Rounders – Shahid Kamal, Hashim Khalil Gurbaz, Rahim Sahak (C)

Bowlers – Mohammad Naseem, Lutfullah, Dastgir Dotani

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Expert Advice:

These teams have been given based on the stats from the earlier seasons and considering the form of the players in recent times. It is better to watch out for the Playing XIs after the toss as this is the first game of the tournament.

Probable Winners:

Khost Province will start out as strong favourites in this clash and are expected to win the game.

Note: Updated Fantasy teams and Playing XIs of every match will be provided in our Telegram channel if the information is available.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.