Afghanistan shocked the cricketing world when they took down the defending champions England in Delhi. That historic victory has given them the belief to go big in this tournament. However, in the very next match, they were thrashed by New Zealand in Chennai but they have another opportunity, against Pakistan, to show what they have got. The Afghan supporters would be expecting an impressive outing from their team against another strong side in Pakistan. Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why Afghanistan can beat Pakistan in Chennai.
Afghanistan’s spin bowling
Afghanistan will have a huge edge over Pakistan in terms of spin bowling. Their spinners played a massive role in their momentous win against England whereas Pakistan’s spin bowling has been below par in this World Cup. If the Afghan spinners bowl to their potential they will put Pakistan under a lot of pressure. The spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi will be enjoying operating in spin-friendly conditions in Chennai and Pakistan’s middle order would find it really tough to take on Afghan spinners.
Chennai’s tricky track
This Asian clash would be played out at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai. The Chepauk pitch has always been a happy hunting ground for the spinners and the same has happened in this World Cup as well. Pakistan has not played on such a tricky pitch so far in this World Cup. Their batting form has been in doubt for a while and it would be very difficult for them to operate on this Chennai pitch. Their batting was exposed against India in relatively more batting-friendly conditions in Ahmedabad. After two consecutive losses the pressure would be there on the Pakistan batting lineup and the Afghans would be looking to take advantage of it.
Depth in the batting lineup
Afghanistan’s batting lineup has the required depth to challenge the Pakistan bowling attack and this might give them the edge over their opposition. Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan expand the batting order playing in the lower middle order. Even Mujeeb Ur Rahman can swing his bat when needed. This batting depth would take some pressure off the top order which has been the main source of runs in the tournament so far. If the Afghan openers start the way they started against England, then the lower middle order can help them go big in the death overs.