Afghanistan eye morale-boosting win to end campaign

Following up on their highs of 2024 was always going to be difficult for Afghanistan. Paired with South Africa and New Zealand, they knew they had to win at least one of those games to stay in contention for the Super Eights. Unfortunately, those two were their initial opponents.

Losing both matches severely hurt their chances. They had to rely on an upset from Canada to stay in contention. While Canada briefly threatened, the pressure and lack of experience proved unsustainable against New Zealand, who sealed their spot. This final Group D clash is now inconsequential.

The inability of Afghanistan's spin attack to pose more questions stood out in the two defeats, especially given they have only played day games. Mujeeb Ur Rahman had a good outing against New Zealand and Rashid Khan was excellent against South Africa. However, Noor Ahmad has had a poor tournament and Mohammad Nabi has been relegated to a restricted role with both bat and ball, throwing doubts over his future given his age. At moments, Afghanistan looked like they might fall short against UAE before Azmatullah Omarzai bailed them out.

On Thursday, they face a Canadian team that finally fared well with the bat against New Zealand, largely thanks to a one-man show from Yuvraj Samra. Canada's task is cut out against a side desperate to finish on a high.

Canada's bowling attack will again be under scrutiny after an erratic display squandered early advantage against New Zealand. While questions linger over Nabi's future, Canada's Navneet Dhaliwal has confirmed this will be his final international fixture.

When: Afghanistan vs Canada, Thursday, February 19 at 7 PM IST
Where: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
What to expect: Pitches have been good to bat on at Chepauk. While teams generally prefer to chase in evening games, dew did not affect the USA-Netherlands fixture last week.

Ziaur Rahman Sharifi was handed an opportunity last game but failed to impress. Afghanistan could contemplate giving Abdullah Ahmadzai a game in this dead rubber.

Probable XI – Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai

With nothing to play for, Canada might opt to give some fringe players a go, especially in the bowling department.

Probable XI – Canada: Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (wk), Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Dilon Heyliger, Jaskaran Singh, Ansh Patel

Quotes:
"We had some unbelievable games and tours with him. He has been someone who has taken Afghanistan cricket where it is now. He worked so hard with the guys. Everyone will miss him so much." – Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan on departing head coach Jonathan Trott.

"The best memory was when we first qualified for the T20 World Cup. After that, when I scored in the opening game of the World Cup last time. And also when I became captain, that was a proud moment for me." – Navneet Dhaliwal on his best moments for Canada.