The inaugural One Day International (ODI) encounter of Pakistan’s tour of Afghanistan in 2023 is slated for Tuesday, August 21, 2023. The match is set to take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.

Afghanistan is set to engage with Pakistan just ahead of the commencement of the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. This showdown will unfold in a three-match ODI series staged in Sri Lankan conditions. The series bears significant importance for both squads, serving as a crucial preparation phase before their participation in two major upcoming events.

Given that several matches of the Asia Cup are scheduled to occur in Sri Lanka, this presents a substantial opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their optimal playing elevens for the impending tournaments. Notably, a considerable number of players from both Pakistan and Afghanistan had recently participated in the Sri Lankan LPL T20, rendering them well-acquainted with the conditions. This familiarity serves as a notable advantage for these teams as they gear up for the imminent challenges.

Afghanistan recently completed an ODI series in Sri Lanka against the host team, with results that were less than impressive. They suffered defeats in three out of five matches. Subsequently, they journeyed to Bangladesh, where they secured victory in the ODI series with a score of 2-1. For this series, as well as for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, Afghanistan made additions to their squad by incorporating fresh talent.

Taking the reins of captaincy is Hashmatullah Shahidi, tasked with spearheading the batting order alongside Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, and Najibullah Zadran. Afghanistan’s lineup projects a balanced composition, encompassing both experience and promising potential.

Within the squad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ikram Alikhil serve as the wicket-keeping batsmen, while Rahmat Shah assumes the role of the sole batting all-rounder. Afghanistan’s paramount strength lies in its bowling department, having nurtured top-tier bowlers who have represented the nation on the international stage as well as in prominent global leagues. The renowned Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi are standout figures, having amassed valuable experience both in Sri Lanka and across the globe. Their contributions bear pivotal significance in this series.

Additionally, Azmatullah Omarzai stands as a bowling all-rounder, though it’s presumed that his opportunities in this series might be limited. The responsibility of leading Afghanistan’s bowling unit rests with Noor Ahmad, supported by a lineup featuring the likes of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Wafadar Momand.

Pakistan exhibits a robust and well-rounded team in the realm of white-ball cricket. The majority of players within Pakistan’s squad have been situated in Sri Lanka since the prior month, affording them an intimate understanding of the local conditions. For this series, Pakistan has also introduced fresh talent to the lineup. Babar Azam, a consistent performer, assumes his role as Pakistan’s captain, leading the team not only in this series but also in the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. Pakistan’s ensemble boasts a harmonious blend of top-notch, seasoned batsmen and bowlers, presenting a golden opportunity to assemble an optimal lineup for the imminent Asia Cup and World Cup.

Steering Pakistan’s batting order is Babar Azam, supported by Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, and Tayyab Tahir. While Tayyab Tahir is a newcomer to the squad, it is anticipated that he might have limited opportunities in the playing eleven. Within the team, the wicket-keeping responsibilities are shared between Mohammad Haris and Mohammad Rizwan. Mohammad Haris stands as a formidable hard-hitter, demonstrated by his commendable strike rate in previous matches. In contrast, Mohammad Rizwan enters the series in exceptional form and is expected to sustain his strong performance. Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Saud Shakeel contribute to Pakistan’s batting prowess as all-rounders.

Pakistan’s bowling contingent also exudes strength and experience. The reins of the bowling unit are entrusted to Shah Afridi, supported by the likes of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Usama Mir. The team is further fortified with exceptional bowling all-rounders including Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr. This assemblage ensures Pakistan enters the series with a formidable and versatile bowling arsenal.

Currently, Afghanistan’s ODI record consists of 147 matches, yielding 73 victories. They encountered defeat in 69 matches, while 4 matches concluded without a definitive outcome. Additionally, a solitary match concluded in a tie.

As of now, Pakistan has participated in 953 ODI matches, securing victory in 503 of them. They faced defeat in 422 matches, while 8 matches concluded in a tie. Additionally, there were 20 matches that remained undecided.

In the 4 ODI matches contested between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistan emerged victorious in all 4 encounters, while Afghanistan was unable to secure a win.

As per the cricket match prediction, Pakistan holds the status of the favored team to secure victory in this match. The factors contributing to Pakistan’s favored status are outlined below:

1. Pakistan maintains an unblemished record against Afghanistan in ODI matches.
2. Pakistan’s batting lineup exhibits both strength and experience.
3. Pakistan possesses a robust and seasoned bowling unit.
4. Afghanistan also boasts a formidable and experienced bowling department.

The forthcoming contest presents an intriguing encounter, pitting Afghanistan’s skilled bowlers against Pakistan’s adept batsmen.

In comparison to Afghanistan, Pakistan possesses a formidable batting lineup and a strong bowling unit, thereby elevating their likelihood of triumph in today’s match. The probability of victory for both teams is outlined below:

Pakistan holds a 60% chance of winning this match.
Afghanistan’s odds of victory stand at 40% for this contest.

The outcome of the toss could hold significance in determining the course of this match. As per the toss prediction, the team that emerges victorious in the toss might opt to bat first.

The inaugural One Day International (ODI) encounter between Pakistan and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota. The pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where the match will be held, is renowned for its batting-friendly characteristics, featuring commendable pace and bounce. However, the pitch’s behavior can occasionally be unpredictable, with sporadic instances of uneven bounce and spin as the game progresses. On the whole, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch facilitates a healthy balance between the bat and ball, providing an ideal setting for a competitive match. Teams that adeptly adapt to these conditions are likely to thrive.

The weather outlook for the match day in Hambantota is rather unfavorable. The forecast indicates a likelihood of rain, which could potentially lead to interruptions during the match.

It will be updated shortly

• Date: Tuesday, 21st August 2023
• Time: 09:30 AM GMT / 03:00 PM LOCAL / 03:00 PM IST

• Stadium: Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium
• Location: Hambantota, Sri Lanka
• Opened: 2009
• Capacity: 34300
• Known as: Hambantota International Cricket Stadium
• Dimensions: 100m long, 100m wide
• Ends: Thanamalwila End, Sooriyawewa End
• Time Zone: UTC +05:30
• Floodlights: Yes
• Curator: Ravi Dissanayake

• Total matches: 26
• Matches won batting first: 10
• Matches won bowling first: 13
• Average 1st Inns scores: 249
• Average 2nd Inns scores: 196
• Highest total recorded: 368/4 (50 Ov) by SL vs PAK
• Lowest total recorded: 112/10 (33.1 Ov) by KEN vs PAK
• The highest score chased: 312/2 (47.2 Ov) by SL vs ZIM
• The lowest score defended: 314/6 (50 Ov) by IND vs SL

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Abdul Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Safi, Wafadar Momand.