Afghanistan vs South Africa Prediction: Afghanistan's last match was washed out

Afghanistan will lock horns with South Africa at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates on 18th September 2024 in Match 1 of the One Day Series. Afghanistan's last match had been a washout. Who would come out on top in this match of cricket?

Hashmatullah Shahidi is set to lead Afghanistan in the landmark ODI series against South Africa, with Rahmat Shah being his deputy. Rashid Khan, who missed the last Ireland ODI series due to injury, has been included in the team. Two strong batters which are well-setted- Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai which are going to add stability to the batting line-up. With Rahmanullah Gurbaz looking his best in the current CPL, he is one player to look out for on these wickets.

Afghanistan will miss Ibrahim Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman through injury but welcomes Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli in the playing XI. Rashid Khan is back for Afghanistan, and his bowling skills on a pitch that tends towards spin will be lethal. Experienced bowling remains in Gulbadin Naib, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Mohammad Nabi.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Darwish Rasooli, Rahmat Shah, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Farid Ahmad Malik

The Proteas are ready for the ODI series against Afghanistan, and they will be captained by Temba Bavuma. The team has plenty of exciting players who will gain much-needed experience before next year's Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Other notable batsmen in the batting line-up include Aiden Markram, who has enjoyed a particularly good run in his last 10 matches-a total of 293 runs at an average of 36.63 and strike rate of 89. Another standout is Tony de Zorzi, with a commendable ODI average of 69, scoring one hundred and one fifty under his belt. Limited opportunities have only brought bright promise out for Tristan Stubbs, who should hold the key to finishing games. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi on return will be a huge advantage for the bowling unit, while new ball might be shared by Nandre Burger.  The spin support looks the most weak department, being relying mainly on Bjorn Fortuin and Markram.

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Wiaan Mulder /Lizaad Williams

Afghanistan is all set to find their first ODI win over South Africa in this series. Traditionally, it should be South Africa to have an upper hand as they play Afghanistan. But the present South Africa team is lacking those big guns like Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada in their side. At the same time, most of their players haven't played much and are not so familiar with these playing conditions. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is well familiar with these playing conditions and will be looking forward to capitalizing on their sensational form last year in the ODI World Cup and this year in the T20I World Cup. South Africa is not an easy team despite their lack of experience. Afghanistan will have to play at their best to emerge victorious. At least one match from the series is likely to be secured by Afghanistan, but this is a first match for South Africa and they are likely to emerge victorious in this game. Hence it would be wise to choose South Africa as your winner of the match.