Afghanistan vs Pakistan 1st T20I Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between AFG and PAK?

Despite a lot of political tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the two cricket-loving nations have joined hands in order to host their first-ever T20I series in history. Notably, the three-match T20I series is set to begin on March 24 at Sharjah Cricket Ground in Sharjah and run till March 27.

After the successful completion of the Pakistan Super League, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Rauf and Fakhar Zaman, have been rested and will return for the New Zealand series. Thus, this is the perfect platform for youngsters to step up and prove their mettle in the international circuit. Players like Ihsanullah and Azam Khan were brilliant in the recently concluded PSL, and thus, it needs to be seen if they can carry the same form against Afghanistan.

For the hosts, this is a massive opportunity to stun Pakistan. The focus will be on players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rashid Khan, who can change the game in any situation. On the other hand, Sediqullah Atal may finally get his opportunity to make his international debut. He is known for his shot-making abilities; thus, it needs to be seen how the player makes the most of this opportunity. However, bowling is one such area that the team needs to work on. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are great bowlers but also inconsistent.

AFG vs PAK Match Details:

Afghanistan vs Pakistan, 1st T20I, Afghanistan vs Pakistan 2023

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Ground, Sharjah

Date & Time: March 24, 09:30 PM IST

Streaming Details: FanCode

AFG vs PAK Pitch Report:

The surface at Sharjah Cricket Ground often favours the spinners, but a high-scoring encounter is expected due to the ground dimensions. The captain winning the toss should elect to bowl first, as dew can play a role in the second half of the match. Anything above 160 will be a decent score on this wicket.

AFG vs PAK Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan (AFG):

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Pakistan (PAK):

Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shan Masood, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Zaman Khan, Ihsanullah

AFG vs PAK Probable Best Performers

Probable best batter
Imad Wasim:
With 404 runs to his name in ten matches, Imad Wasim was the fifth-leading run-scorer in the recently concluded PSL. He was terrific in the middle order, and if he manages to keep up with his form, the 34-year-old can bring much-needed stability to Pakistan’s middle order – something that has bothered the team management for a long time now.

Probable best bowler
Rashid Khan:
The spin wizard Rashid Khan has played many matches in Sharjah and, thus, is well-accustomed to the conditions. Now, since the ball is expected to turn, Rashid can once again weave his magic and get the job done for Afghanistan. Notably, in the PSL, the 24-year-old has picked up 20 wickets in 11 matches.

Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match

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