T20 World Cup 2024: Match 40, WI vs AFG, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s T20 WC match between WI and AFG?

The West Indies will face Afghanistan in Match 40 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium on June 18, 2024.

In the three games each team has played so far, a similar pattern has emerged as both have secured two victories while batting first and one while chasing. However, Afghanistan triumphed with greater conviction when setting targets for their opponents. Consequently, they have attained a superior net run rate compared to the two-time champions, positioning them at the top of the Group C table despite accruing the same number of wins as the West Indies.

With both teams slotted in different Super Eight groups filled with fierce competitors, the impending match is poised to be a platform where a certain level of experimentation could be performed with respect to player combinations.

The sole encounter they have played against each other at the mega-event was the famous low-scoring thriller which the Afghans cliched by six runs at the Super 10 of the 2016 T20 World Cup.

Also Read: West Indies vs Afghanistan, Match 40 – Live Cricket Score

WI vs AFG Match Details

Pitch Report and Conditions

The pitches in Gros Islet have been notably more favourable for batting compared to most other venues in this edition of the T20 World Cup, with teams scoring 180 or more in three out of the four innings. At this location, teams typically prefer to bowl first after winning the toss.

In 14 T20 matches since the beginning of 2022, only twice have teams opted to bat first. However, the outcomes have been varied: teams batting first and those bowling first have each won six times, with two matches being washed out. Although there’s no threat of rain on Tuesday, it’s expected to be somewhat windy, as it was during the last two matches here.

Head-to-Head Record

WI vs AFG Probable Playing XIs

West Indies:

Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (c), Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Nicholas Pooran

Following an impressive IPL 2024 season, the wicketkeeper-batter made a strong initial impact in the warm-up match against Australia, scoring a commanding 75-run knock. However, he has struggled to convert his starts into substantial scores since then, managing just 66 runs across his group-stage fixtures. He would be eager to seize the initiative and post a substantial innings in the upcoming match.

Probable Best Bowler: Rashid Khan

Maintaining an average economy rate of 4.50 throughout the three league matches, the Afghan skipper has displayed his trademark miserliness and precision in line and length. Eager for another stellar performance, he would be aiming to synergize effectively with the other Afghan spinners.

Today’s Match Prediction: West Indies to win the match

Scenario 1

West Indies win the toss and opt to bowl first.

Powerplay Score: 40-50

Afghanistan: 155-165

West Indies win the match.

Scenario 2

Afghanistan win the toss and opt to bowl first.

Powerplay Score: 45-55

West Indies: 165-175

Afghanistan win the match.

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.