AFG vs RSA 9th Match Prediction

AFG vs RSA Team Previews

Afghanistan

Afghanistan has been in news for reasons not related to cricket and whether or not that will have an impact on how they deliver on the field in the coming season is a matter that will be answered very shortly. However, what is known about Afghanistan is that they are a team that is not going to be easy opponents to deal with.

While Afghanistan do not have the luxury of playing as many matches as some of the other teams have, the fact that the conditions they play at are strikingly similar to what they'll get at this World Cup may help massively help them. Besides, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Nabi, and Rashid Khan have had plenty of recent experience and that can prove to be of a colossal advantage going forward.

Led by Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan will be banking on the experience of their usual suspects. Even though Mohammad Nabi didn't have a lot to do in the Indian Premier League, he will still be the prime man for the Afghans - be it with the bat or with the ball. Besides, Afghanistan have a well-settled batting lineup that can demolish even the best bowling attack on its day. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hazratullah Zazai, Asghar Afghan, and the skipper himself are the fierce hitters of the cricket ball.

All in all, Afghanistan have a terrific side that will love to capitalize on the conditions that are likely to complement their style of play. Afghan spinners are going to be key and if they get ample support from the batsmen, Afghanistan will be a force to deal with in this tournament.

South Africa

Cricket South Africa has been in shambles of late and that is not just of the field. They have been pretty poor with their on-field performance as well and their recent series win against Sri Lanka would have been a refreshing sight, at least for their fans.

Following their colossal win over Sri Lanka, South Africa made some shocking selections that were further highlighted after the conclusion of IPL 2021. Much to the surprise of many, Faf du Plessis will not be a part of South Africa's plans for the World Cup and a rather inexperienced batting lineup is certainly going to miss him.

Even though the likes of Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, and Rassie van der Dussen have been in decent form, the presence of Faf du Plessis would have added the much-needed experience for the tournament this big. Besides, Temba Bavuma is not an experienced captain and things could quickly drift away if South Africa do not get into the groove right from the very beginning.

On the bowling front, however, South Africa have a team as good as any. The fast bowling pair of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada can be lethal not only in the powerplay but also at the death. Besides, they have decent options available in Bjorn Fortuin and Lungi Ngidi as the change-up bowlers. With plenty of options available in the all-rounders' department as well, South Africa will not be too worried about their bowling at least.

All in all, South Africa have a decent side, but acquainting with the spin-friendly conditions could be a challenge for their batsmen early in the tournament. Also, Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada both had a packed IPL 2021 and are expected to be rested in this upcoming contest. If the other players are able to step up their game, South Africa could prove to be the dark horses of the tournament.