The upcoming 42nd match of the ICC ODI World Cup between Afghanistan and South Africa is a crucial one for both teams. Afghanistan may secure their semifinal run if they clinch victory. On the other hand, South Africa needs to win to hold the 2nd position in the points table as Australia is breathing on their neck. As both team seeks victory in this match the spotlight is on the statistics and profiles of some of the standout players from both sides.
Before we dissect the players to watch out for, it’s worth noting that the last encounter between these two teams took place on June 15, 2019. South Africa emerged victorious by 9 wickets using the D/L method. This history might give South Africa a psychological edge, but Afghanistan’s team has evolved significantly since then, making it an exciting contest.
Ibrahim Zadran (Photo Source: Twitter )
Ibrahim Zadran has been a standout performer for Afghanistan. In his last 8 matches, he has accumulated 361 runs, boasting an impressive average of 51.57. His highest score of 129* against Australia demonstrates his ability to anchor the innings, and his strike rate of 77.76 indicates that he can adapt to various match situations. With a century and a fifty under his belt, he’s a batsman who can take the game away from the opposition.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Photo Source: Twitter )
Hashmatullah Shahidi is another crucial asset for Afghanistan’s batting lineup. His consistency is remarkable, with an average of 61.60 in his last 8 matches. He has recorded three fifties and a high score of 80 against India.
Naveen-ul-Haq (Photo Source: Twitter )
On the bowling front, Naveen-ul-Haq is a rising star for Afghanistan. In his last 7 matches, he has bowled 283 balls, taking 8 wickets while conceding 300 runs. His best figures of 2/47 against Australia display his potential to pick up crucial wickets. With an average of 37.50 and an economy rate of 6.36, he can put pressure on the opposition’s batsmen.
Quinton de Kock (Photo Source: Twitter )
Turning our attention to South Africa, Quinton de Kock is a batsman who can single-handedly change the course of a match. In his last 8 games, he has amassed an astonishing 550 runs with an average of 68.75. De Kock’s highest score of 174 against Bangladesh showcased his destructive capabilities. With four centuries to his name, he is a formidable force at the top of the order.
Aiden Markram (Photo Source: Twitter )
Aiden Markram, another South African batsman, is in fine form as well. In his last 8 matches, he has accumulated 371 runs with an average of 53.00. His century against Sri Lanka and three fifties underline his consistency in converting starts into substantial scores. Markram’s ability to play aggressive cricket and maintain a brisk strike rate of 118.15 makes him a key player to watch out for.
Gerald Coetzee (Photo Source: Twitter )
In the bowling department for South Africa, Gerald Coetzee is the one to keep an eye on. With 14 wickets in just 6 matches, he has been a wicket-taking machine. His best figures of 3/35 against England showcased his knack for breaking partnerships. An impressive average of 21.78 and an economy rate of 6.85 make him a significant asset for South Africa.
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