ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan choose to bat against Afghanistan, both eyeing victory

Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first in their ICC World Cup 2023 encounter against Afghanistan in Chennai today. 

Currently positioned at fifth on the points table, Pakistan is facing Afghanistan, who languish at the 10th spot. Both teams are eager for a confidence-booster victory in this contest.

In recent days, the ICC World Cup has witnessed its share of surprises, and this match may contribute to the growing rivalry between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the past few years.

A loss in this match would likely spell the end of Afghanistan‍‍`s World Cup journey, while for Pakistan, it would mean navigating a more challenging campaign ahead with no room for error.

In this crucial match, Pakistan have introduced Shadab Khan into the playing XI in place of Mohammad Nawaz, who is sidelined with a fever. Meanwhile, Afghanistan have made way for spinner Noor Ahmed by overlooking Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Afghanistan playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad

Pakistan playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf