India takes on Afghanistan in WC 2023. India emerged victorious in a gripping low-scoring encounter against Australia during their inaugural tournament match. Conversely, the Afghan team experienced a resounding defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in their opening clash. Unfortunately, India's star batsman, Shubman Gill, missed the journey to Delhi for the game due to hospitalization in Chennai, battling dengue. Regrettably, his presence in the forthcoming match against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on October 14 appears uncertain.
Today, in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, India and Afghanistan are set to clash in match number 9 at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. It marks the second appearance for both teams in this tournament.In their previous match, India secured a six-wicket victory against Australia, whereas Afghanistan faced a loss against Bangladesh in their opening encounter.
The much-anticipated India vs. Afghanistan match is scheduled to commence at 2 pm today.As highlighted by Rohit Sharma, India's key challenge during the league stage is adapting swiftly to the conditions in nine diverse venues. After the slow and spinning pitch at Chepauk, the Feroz Shah Kotla is expected to offer a batting paradise, as witnessed when over 700 runs were scored in a high-scoring South Africa vs. Sri Lanka clash last week.
With Shubman Gill sidelined due to dengue, Ishan Kishan will have another chance to open alongside Rohit. Gill's participation in the highly anticipated World Cup clash against Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Saturday remains doubtful, with Rohit Sharma emphasizing Gill's recovery as a top priority.Coming off a significant defeat against Bangladesh, Afghanistan aims to reverse their fortunes in Delhi. Given the substantial Afghan community in Delhi's Lajpat Nagar, Hashmatullah Shahidi and his team can expect strong local support.
While Afghanistan has traditionally been known for their formidable bowling, particularly their spinners, for a meaningful impact in this World Cup, their batsmen must also step up. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz appears to be in good form, but the team's disappointing performance of 156 all out against Bangladesh calls for an immediate correction in their batting display.