South Africa will hope to get over the line against ICC associate nation Afghanistan to get their ICC World Twenty20 campaign back on track. The Proteas put up an impressive 229/4 in their opening Group 1 game but England were just too good on the day.
Faf du Plessis’ side are now in a must-win situation and will hope for some breathing space against Afghanistan who have been impressive but are still no match for their opponents on paper. However, minnows have surprised big teams in the past and the war-torn nation will looking for an upset.
Afghanistan, after winning all three games in the qualifiers including a 59-run result over Zimbabwe, gave defending champions Sri Lanka a tough fight on Thursday and Asghar Stanikzais’ side will be looking for another good show on Sunday.
The skipper himself got 62 in that game to take side his to 153/7.
“Every batsman who is playing well feels confident for the next game. We are all confident and if we play South Africa or another team we will play our own game.
“We are trying to give tough time to every team and trying beat one or two teams in the tournament. Even if it is South Africa or Sri Lanka we will play to our strengths,” Stanikzai said.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad has given them breezy starts and Afghanistan to will look to him to fire big time. All-rounder Mohammed Nabi and Samiullah Shenwari are utility cricketers and in good form. Young leg spinner Rashid Khan has been impressive and they have exciting pacers in Daulat Zardan, Hamid Hassan and Shapoor Zardan.
South Africa has almost all their batsmen in form and a strong bench. The bowling though has let them down in recent times and they will be looking to fix it as soon as possible.
Dale Steyn and Co will want early wickets to get their confidence back and put Afghans under the pump. Chasing has proven to be the best option at Wankhede which has produced more than 800 runs in two games so far. But Sunday being a day game will keep both skippers guessing what to do at the toss.
J.P. Duminy was optimistic about Sunday’s game. “There are a lot of positives to take from it (the England game), especially from the batting. There is room for improvement in the bowling but you have to move on to the next game.”
