If you set aside to pay attention towards the cricket rivalry between the two nations Pakistan and Afghanistan you would discover a great clan. The cricket war tends to be a result of the clash of the two cricketing nations as well as the political tension. Pakistan is the first Full Member of ICC who played an ODI versus Afghanistan during the 2011-12 season.
However, the political tensions between the duo are likely to renew their rivalry when they face each other in their Super Four clash of Asia Cup 2018 scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi. The two sides have had slightly contrasting fortunes in their path to the Super Four. Afghanistan posted convincing wins against both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to progress to the next stage, while Pakistan slid to an eight-wicket loss versus arch-rivals India. However, in the recent past, the relationship between the two boards have soured, especially in the wake of Afghanistan deciding not to play T20 friendlies against Pakistan last year due to a bomb blast in Kabul.
Afghanistan’s surge to Super Four has been led by the spin twins – Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The spinners have choked the opposition ranks with their excellent control and picked up six between them so far. Rashid and Mujeeb will look to continue their good form against Pakistan, who in turn struggled to force the pace in their last game against India. Gulbadin Naib, the seam-bowling all-rounder, and Aftab Alam also would have a part to play, as under lights the ball has swung and nipped around in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s batting line-up will revolve around Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmat Shah, and Hashmatullah Shahidi. Lower down the order, Rashid has provided the impetus to the innings, capsulized by his game-changing 95-run stand with Naib versus Bangladesh. On the other hand, Pakistan would look to put behind their loss against India and start afresh.
