Afghanistan vs Pakistan Prediction & Betting Tips - Bilateral Series - ODI 1 of 3

Prediction published on 21/08/2023, 14:45  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 21/08/2023 at 15:09 in Cricket Predictions

Afghanistan and Pakistan will face each other in the first of three ODIs this Tuesday. With less than two months until the start of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, both sides will be looking forward to the much-needed preparation. The match is being played in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan come into this bilateral series following a tour of Bangladesh. While they did suffer a very poor loss in the Test match, Hashmatullah Shahidi's side bounced back well to claim the ODI series 2-1. They have now won three and lost three of their last six ODI matches. Afghanistan have announced an 18-player team for the upcoming series against Pakistan. Among the players featured in the squad is left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad who will be making his long-awaited return to the ODI squad. Fazalhaq Farooqi has emerged as a standout performer in their pace bowling lineup over the past few years. He has secured 16 wickets in his last 10 matches with an economy rate of 5.18. His exceptional form was evident as he claimed eight wickets across three matches in the recently finished series against Bangladesh. He will need to be at his absolute best to give his side a chance in this one. 

Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket team's most recent One Day International duel took place in April and May during the series against New Zealand.  Under the leadership of Babar Azam, the Pakistani squad secured a triumphant 3-1 series victory over the touring Black Caps in the 50-over format. The past year has seen them throughly prepare themselves for the upcoming World Cup. Azam, Pakistan's standout batsman, has not had far to travel for this series as he was playing in the Lanka Premier League. The Pakistani skipper showcased his form by smashing a century a little over a week ago for the Colombo Strikers. He is in fine touch at the moment and will benefit greatly since he's familiar with Sri Lankan conditions. Pakistan have won five of their last eight ODIs, all against New Zealand.