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Afghanistan and Pakistan are all set to square off against each other in the second ODI of the three-match series on Thursday (August 24). The contest will take place at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota.
Pakistan won the first game by a huge margin of 142 runs. Imam-ul-Haq was the lone warrior with the bat for the Green Team in their victory. Imam contributed 61 runs to the team total. However, it was Haris Rauf’s lethal bowling in the second innings that eventually led Pakistan to the triumph. Rauf bagged a brilliant fifer in the contest. On the other hand, Afghanistan had a disastrous outing and were bowled out for a mere 59 runs.
Afghanistan will look to level the series when they take the field on Thursday. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be determined to gain an unassailable lead over the Afghan side.
ODI stats and records at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium:
- Total matches: 27
- Matches won bowling first: 13
- Matches won batting first: 10
- Average first innings score: 247
- Average second innings score: 191
- Highest total: 368/4 (Sri Lanka)
- Lowest total: 59 all-out (Afghanistan)
- Highest run chase: 312/2 (Sri Lanka)
Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium Pitch Report:
The Hambantota-based Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium has offered balanced assistance to both batters and bowlers. Nevertheless, spinners hold a distinct advantage on this pitch due to its surface characteristics. Accumulating runs at this ground becomes tougher as the match unfolds. Although Afghanistan faced a huge defeat chasing the total in the previous game at this venue, the team winning the toss would still look to bowl first considering the past records. All in all, an exciting contest is anticipated to unfold at this venue.
Hambantota Weather Report:
The weather at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota is expected to be bright and sunny despite the clouds. There are no signs of precipitation, and temperature is expected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels to be around 48%. The wind will blow at a speed of 19 Km/hr, and cricket enthusiasts can expect a smooth play without any interruptions.
AFG vs PAK 2nd ODI, Probable XIs:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Abdul Rahman, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf
Also READ: Babar Azam matches Imran Khan’s unwanted ‘Duck’ record as Pakistan captain in 1st ODI
