England will take on Afghanistan in the 13th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on October 15th. This will be the 5th ODI meeting between the two nations at the World Cup, with England winning all previous 4 matches convincingly.
England got their campaign back on track with a thumping win over Bangladesh in their last game. Afghanistan is yet to open their account having lost both their games so far. England’s superior batting strength makes them firm favorites, but Afghanistan has the potential to spring an upset if they can fire as a unit.
With the return of key all-rounder Ben Stokes, England will be further boosted as they aim to dismantle Afghanistan’s inexperienced bowling attack. But spin-friendly conditions could assist Afghanistan in making life tough for the English batsmen.
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Overview
After a shock loss to New Zealand, England bounced back in style by pummeling Bangladesh in their previous game. Their batting possesses incredible firepower, as seen by the 365 runs they racked up. Stokes is set for a crucial return to strengthen both batting and bowling.
The pace duo of Wood and Woakes have bowled with hostility while Topley’s left-arm swing adds variety to their attack. With so much hitting power even down to number 10, England can post intimidating totals to put pressure on any opposition.
The world champions seem to have regained their mojo after initial setbacks. Their concern will be tackling Afghanistan’s spinners on a turning surface. But England’s batting depth makes them firm favorites.
Overview
Afghanistan has struggled so far, with heavy losses to Bangladesh and India denting their World Cup hopes. Their batting looked out of depth against quality attacks like India, crumbling for just 272. The bowling also lacked penetration, failing to take early wickets.
However, the presence of world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman means Afghanistan can never be taken lightly. Their batting possesses some talented stroke-makers like Gurbaz, Zazai and Ibrahim Zadran too.
If Afghanistan’s senior players can stand up and their bowling unit bowls to potential, they are capable of upsetting more fancied teams. But they need major improvements quickly after two poor performances.
vs. Starting XI
England predicted starting 11:
- Jos Buttler (c & wk)
- Jonny Bairstow
- Dawid Malan
- Ben Stokes
- Harry Brook
- Moeen Ali
- Liam Livingstone
- Sam Curran
- Chris Woakes
- Mark Wood
- Reece Topley
Afghanistan predicted starting 11:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shahm
- Hashmatullah Sahidi(c)
- Najibullah Zadran
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb ur Rahman
- Fareed Ahmad Malik
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
England have a fully fit squad to choose from and could play the same XI that thrashed Bangladesh. Stokes likely replaces Willey.
Afghanistan may give Azmatullah Omarzai a go in place of Karim Janat who has struggled. Naveen-ul Haque could get his first game, replacing the off-color Naveen-ul-Haq. Otherwise, Afghanistan may stick with the same combination.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
vs. Head-to-Head
In 5 World Cup meetings so far, England has emerged victorious against Afghanistan in all games by huge margins. This includes a 150 run win in their 2019 World Cup group stage encounter.
Overall in ODIs, England has beaten Afghanistan in all 5 matches with relative ease. Afghanistan came close only once when they lost by just 15 runs in the 2019 World Cup.
England’s batting firepower has simply proved too hot for Afghanistan’s inexperienced bowling lineup to handle over the years. The likes of Buttler, Stokes and Livingstone have dominated Afghanistan’s bowling in the past.
With the World Cup being played in the sub-continent, Afghanistan has the chance to challenge England. But based on past records, England remains clear favorites to extend their undefeated record against the Afghans.
Weather & Pitch Report
The match will be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi which generally produces spin-friendly conditions. The weather is expected to be clear, hot and dry with temperatures around 33-34 deg Celsius.
The pitch is likely to be on the slower side which will aid spin bowling. Batting against the newer ball can be tricky due to the surface gripping and turning early on. Strokeplay becomes easier once the batters get set.
Spinners will gain appreciable turn and bounce off the surface. The dimensions are also on the shorter side at Delhi which helps the spinners control run flow. Dew may help the team batting second under lights.
Considering Afghanistan’s quality spinners and Delhi’s nature to assist slower bowlers, a moderately low-scoring contest seems plausible. Both teams will want to bat second to take advantage of the dew factor.
The side able to adapt better to the surface conditions, especially against spin will likely prevail. But England’s batting firepower means a competitive total could still be within their reach.
England vs. Afghanistan Prediction
Despite Afghanistan’s spin threat, England will start as strong favorites considering their superior team balance and ongoing form. Their batting possesses the firepower to put up big totals even on tricky pitches.
The likely return of Ben Stokes only bolsters a batting lineup overflowing with match-winners. The likes of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman could test England. But Afghanistan’s bowling otherwise still lacks experience.
For Afghanistan to challenge, their batting must step up substantially. But England’s bowling variety means they rarely let opponents run away with games.
Considering the current gulf in quality between the teams and England’s phenomenal batting depth, they should have enough to brush past Afghanistan with relative comfort.
Prediction: England to defeat Afghanistan by 6 wickets or more.
ENG vs. AFG Betting Tip
Back Jos Buttler or Liam Livingstone to be top match scorer. They can tear apart any bowling attack. Considering spin-friendly conditions, bet on Rashid Khan taking 2+ wickets. He will be Afghanistan’s trump card. Ben Stokes could be a good bet for top England batter in his return game if he bats in the top 5.
Bet on England to hit the most sixes. Their batting lineup is packed with power hitters. Consider a bet on Moeen Ali to pick 2+ wickets given his off-spin prowess. With England’s firepower, over 320 runs being scored looks likely. Bet on a high-scoring game. England should comfortably chase any target set by Afghanistan. So consider betting on England while batting second.
England have far too much firepower for Afghanistan. Expect them to win big.
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If you want to check out our other Cricket World Cup match predictions, you can find them on our site. In the meantime, you can check out how to bet on the Cricket World Cup.
