Pakistan captain Babar Azam has won the toss and chosen to bat first against spin-heavy Afghanistan at the Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan is bottom of the standings. It has two points from four games after it stunned defending champion England by 69 runs. Afghanistan went with four spinners in the hope that the dry pitch will help slow bowlers.
Pakistan’s team coach Mickey Arthur, left facing camera, talks with the team ahead of their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan in Chennai, India, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. Afghanistan team sings their national anthem at the start of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Chennai, India, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023.
Ahmed replaced Fazalhaq Farooqi and will be challenging Pakistan with Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi as the other spin options.Unbeaten New Zealand and India meet at scenic Dharamsala in Cricket World Cup on SundayAfghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi also wanted to bat first, but said the “toss is not in our hand and you have to play good cricket.”
Pakistan brought back its out-of-form vice captain Shadab Khan after left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz had to sit out the game because of fever.Pakistan’s bowlers and batters — except for Mohammad Rizwan — are yet to fire against big teams in the tournament.