London: A confident Indian team will aim to continue winning streak in the ICC World Cup 2019 when they take on Afghanistan at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Saturday.
With three wins in four matches, unbeaten India is placed at No. 4 in the points table while Afghanistan, who is yet to open their account, is at the bottom.
Afghanistan has never defeated India in any format of the game. India leads 1-0 in two ODIs, 1-0 in one test and 2-0 in two T20Is against Afghanistan.
In today’s game, India will not only look to gain two points, but also a significant improvement in the net run rate with an eye on the semifinal qualification order.
India is likely to pick paceman Mohammed Shami in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is nursing a hamstring niggle.
In the absence of flamboyant opener Dhawan due to a fractured thumb after his match-winning hundred against Australia was being seen as a big blow but KL Rahul’s composed half-century against a rampaging Mohammed Amir dispelled any such doubts.
Having won three matches against strong South African, Australia and Pakistan and all players are in good form especially opener Rohit Sharma and skipper Virat Kohli, the two-time champion India is certainly looking for a big victory against Afghanistan.
India’s match against New Zealand was washed out and both teams took home one point each.