AFG vs SA Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 1st ODI match between AFG vs SA?

In this article, we will be analyzing the AFG vs SA Match Prediction for the 1st ODI match. Afghanistan and South Africa are to play a three-match ODI series in Sharjah, starting September 18. The Proteas has given rest to several of their players including Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje among others. On the other hand, Afghanistan have named a full-strength squad and will be hoping to capitalise on their brilliant run in the T20 World Cup 2024.

South Africa’s focus will mainly be on grooming younger talents as the team management aims to identify players for the ODI World Cup 2027 at home. Therefore, the series against Afghanistan holds massive importance for the Proteas. The focus will also be on captain Temba Bavuma, who has struggled in ODI cricket and failed to hit a half-century in the last nine matches.

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AFG vs SA Match Details 

Match	Venue	Date & Time	Live Broadcast & Streaming Details
Afghanistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI	Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah	September 18, Wednesday, 5:30 PM IST	FanCode (app and website), Euro SportMatch

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Sharjah Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Sharjah offers a good batting surface but the spinners usually dominate in the middle overs. Bowling first will be the ideal choice for the captain who wins the toss. A score above 320 runs can be considered a good total on the board.

Also check: Afghanistan vs South Africa Live Score, 1st ODI

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AFG vs SA Head-to-Head Record

Matches Played	Won by Afghanistan	Won by South Africa	No Result	First-ever Fixture	Most-recent Fixture
02	00	02	00	15/06/19	10/11/23

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AFG vs SA Probable Playing XIs

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, FazalHaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Nangyal Kharote

South Africa:

Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi

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AFG vs SA Probable Top Performers of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz is an extremely dangerous white-ball batter. He has made 352 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 105.70 in UAE. The keeper-batter also has a half-century and a ton in his last two matches in Sharjah. He understands the condition very well and can prove to be effective against South Africa.

Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan

Leg-spinner Rashid Khan is a match-winner in any conditions. As the spinners will be effective in Sharjah, he can be deadly against a weak batting unit of South Africa as many senior batters are missing from their ranks. Notably, the 25-year-old has played 19 ODIs in UAE and picked up 46 wickets at an average of 14.26.

 

Today’s Match Prediction: Afghanistan to win the match

Scenario 1

Afghanistan win the toss and opt to bowl first.

PP Score: 45-55

South Africa: 265-285

Afghanistan win the match.

Scenario 2

South Africa win the toss and opt to bowl first.

PP Score: 50-60

Afghanistan: 290-310

Afghanistan win the match.

Also Check: AFG vs SA Dream11 Prediction

Disclaimer: The 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.