India is all set to take on the Afghanistan in Match 9 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on Wednesday, October 11 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Both the teams have a star-studded squad that can change the course of the game with their abilities. India is the favourite to win this encounter against Afghanistan.
India and Afghanistan have a fierce rivalry in the format. Both teams have played 3 ODI matches, with India winning all 2 games and Afghanistan winning 1 game so far in the head to head encounters. In this article, we will take a look at the key player battles to watch out for in the match 9 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 between India and Afghanistan.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: India vs Afghanistan 3 Players to Avoid in Your Fantasy Team for Today Match
Here are three player battles to watch out for during IND vs AFG match:
1) Hardik Pandya vs Mohammad Nabi
Hardik Pandya showcased his all-round abilities in the game against Australia, contributing with both bat and ball. He has a strong record against spinners, boasting a strike rate above 115.00 and an average of 51.25. However, the experienced Mohammad Nabi, who has played 148 ODIs and claimed 154 wickets at an economy of 4.29, will be a vital player for Afghanistan’s bowling unit. Nabi’s experience will play a crucial role in the upcoming game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
2) Virat Kohli vs Naveen-ul-Haq
The most anticipated battle of the match will be between Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq, especially after their contentious encounter during the IPL 2023 match between RCB and LSG. Kohli’s fans will expect him to dominate the Afghan pacer with the bat, while Naveen aims to claim the wicket of the Indian cricket legend. This encounter is likely to add excitement to the contest between the two Asian sides, as cricket enthusiasts often enjoy such rivalries.
3) Rohit Sharma vs Rashid Khan
Rohit Sharma will aim to provide a strong start for his team after a disappointing outing against Australia. In previous ODIs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Rohit has accumulated 71 runs. Afghanistan will rely on Rashid Khan to counter Rohit’s batting prowess. Rashid’s performance against Bangladesh was below par, conceding 48 runs without taking any wickets. Rashid has had the upper hand against Rohit in the IPL, dismissing him four times in six encounters.