Afghanistan v England World Cup Match Prediction & Betting Tips

It may be a no contest to many but this game holds unbelievable significance for the future of these two countries; both very different from each other of course. Afghanistan have their last go at capping of a wonderful tournament. The results may not go on to say that but a nation who formed a cricket team in the best part of a decade, who does not have a ground in their country to play in; the 2015 World Cup has been one to remember. A stellar performance tomorrow could take them close to a famous win.

England on the other end can’t seem to find space enough to hide their faces. The World Cup has been a shocker. And Paul Fabrace in today’s press conference said a loss to Afghanistan would make things horrendous. Words like these coming out of the English dressing room just tell us about the mindset inside that team at the moment. This could well be the last game for James Anderson who after 4 World Cup tournaments has failed to set the world alight. Lot is expected of a bowler of the class of Anderson but disappointing performances and his inability to be affective in short form cricket outside England could call for his head. Ian Bell too, a man of great pedigree and class just has 4 centuries to his name after playing well over a 100 games.

Head to Head

England & Afghanistan have never played each other in a One Day International. However, they have played a T20 game in the World Cup of 2012 in Sri Lanka. England gave Afghanistan a real drubbing on that day. That was more the team England should look to play in One Day Internationals as well.

At the Ground

Afghanistan are first time visitors to the Sydney Cricket Ground let alone play on it. England have played 31 ODIs at the SCG and like most venues in Australia have an average record on it. England have won 14 of 31 here.

Tournament Records

More than setting records, the lack of it is what England can find their name in the mix of this ICC Cricket World Cup. Never have England won fewer than 2 games in a World Cup. If Afghanistan can steal a win in tomorrow’s encounter, Scotland will be the only opposition that the English beat this tournament setting a new low for them.

Afghanistan have not done anything spectacularly of note but have been a lot more impressive than the other Associate nation in their group, Scotland. They will be looking to put in a promising performance.

Current Form

Both teams have not been winning but based on ability and stature if you had to name one team with better current form, it would have to be Afghanistan. They have not had too many results go their way but apart from the hiding against Australia and an average workout versus New Zealand; Afghanistan have been really good. I have harped on this earlier but it really is commendable how far Afghanistan have come in little time and how little they have had at their disposal.

The less you talk about England’s form, the better you will believe it to be. Tonked by Australia, obliterated by New Zealand, Clinically beaten by Sri Lanka & embarrassed by Bangladesh; this could well be their worst World Cup side to come from Great Britain. Add to that the horribly subdued mindset & defensive brand of cricket has only made matters worse. England’s form is treacherous at the moment.

Afghanistan (1/5) wins
England (1/5) wins

Pitch & Conditions

Different from usual dry and placid drop in, the curator at the SCG has left some grass onto the wicket. This is more than what we saw in the Australia - Sri Lanka game. I wonder if it is intentionally done so Afghanistan’s seamers could get a couple moving to unnerve the English top order.

Players to watch out for

Alex Hales should have been in the England side since game no. 1. Ever since his 100 in the T20 World Cup game against Sri Lanka, Hales has come of age. England do not think from the opposition minds. No team would like the sight of Hales walking out in the middle opening the batting. Ian Bell makes for comfortable viewing. Hales will be happy to resume his customary position after injury to Moeen Ali. He will have a point to prove.

Hamid Hassan has looked Afghanistan’s top bowler this World Cup. He’s gotten the ball to move around and has extracted bounce thus making it awkward to play. If he can nip a couple out early tomorrow, Afghanistan will find themselves right in the thick of things.

Prediction

A. It will be a great game to call tomorrow as we watch it unfold. England without the pressure of qualification should express themselves better & go on to win. But, not much can be said the way they are at it.

B. Having said that, irrespective of who bats first, if the Afghan seamers, who have the quality, nip a couple out early, a feeling of Deja Vu is bound to enter the English camp who may crumble at that thought. Afghanistan’s bowling is key to this.

C. Should be great game to call midway tomorrow.