The penultimate match of the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup has turned into a dead rubber as India and Afghanistan play their final match of the second part of the competition when they do battle in Dubai.
India know that win or lose this match they will be appearing in Friday’s final while Afghanistan’s quest for the title is over having lost their first two matches in this phase. They have one last chance to make a big impact before they leave the UAE.
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India
After a sticky performance in their opening match of the tournament, India have warmed to the task quite nicely and they are now in the position where they can rest and rotate their players should they wish to, in order to keep everyone fresh for the final. They can also play with a little bit of freedom with little on this match other than pride.
India’s bowlers have been wonderful in this tournament since their opening match and that has allowed their batsmen to play themselves in and take few risks to make the required scores. If there is a slight concern it would be that their middle order hasn’t had to contribute too much so far so they might look to address that in this match.
Afghanistan
Although they have failed to win their two matches in the Super Fours so far, Afghanistan have been a breath of fresh air in this tournament. Ultimately they have been found wanting in the key moments of a final over in their first two matches but we should remember they are still relatively new to this level so getting over significant hurdles will take time.
We knew heading into the tournament that the Afghanistan bowling attack was their strength and they have been wonderful in this competition so far but actually their batting has surprised and if they have one last big performance in them then they might yet leave this stage with a victory which would be what their outings so far deserve.
Team News
India could well decide to rotate their side for this match. Jasprit Bumrah has been wonderful in this tournament so far so they may choose not to risk him. Khaleel Ahmed could come in for him. Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be given a rest as well.
It is up to Afghanistan whether they want to make any changes to their side before they leave. Gulbadin Naib hasn’t had the best of tournaments so he could be vulnerable if they do decide to make changes.
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Betting
I expect India to rest some bowlers for this match which should allow Afghanistan to be competitive once again. I think it is pushing the boundaries somewhat to expect Afghanistan to win but when we think back to when India rested players against Hong Kong they were nothing like as dangerous as they have been in the rest of the competition. Afghanistan have been competitive in every match so far and with their bowling attack a handicap of 5.5 wickets and 44.5 runs looks a little on the big side. Afghanistan will be giving their all here while India might hold something back so I’m taking Afghanistan on that handicap.
I’ll also take a chance on Kedar Jadhav to top score for India. I think India might look to give those who haven’t had much time in the middle a chance to enjoy some time at the crease and Jadhav would fit that bill. He has only batted once in the tournament and made 28* and I think he will get a chance here. Even if India don’t try that there is enough in this Afghanistan attack to get him in so with that in mind the 10/1 on him top scoring looks good enough to me.
Tips
WON – Back Afghanistan (+5.5 wickets/44.5runs) to beat India for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
Back K.Jadhav Top India Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 11.00 with William Hill
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