Pakistan vs Afghanistan, World Cup 2023: Win the Toss, Bat First - This is Why!

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Pakistan's ICC World Cup 2023 campaign will face a pivotal test on Monday as they face Afghanistan at the M Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.

After winning the first two matches, the Pakistanis have lost their next and are currently in a spot of bother. They know any further slip-up will have damaging ramifications to their semi-final hopes. On the other hand, Afghanistan, despite their terrific victory over England, find themselves at the bottom of the league table.

Although Afghanistan's chances to qualify for semifinals are relatively slim, they would be eager to record their first ODI victory over Pakistan in Chennai.

As the two Asian countries lock horns, there is something which needs to be calculated. In Chennai, whichever team wins the Toss, must elect to Bat first. Although Pakistan struggled after batting first against India, while Afghans had the same fate against Bangladesh and India, here's why both teams must do the batting first in Chennai.

Chennai Weather is suitable for Fielding 2nd

On Monday, Chennai is set to have one of its hottest days The temperature in the afternoon will be around 35° C while the real feel will be much more than that. Hence, it is only wise to keep the energy reserved for the second half, when the temperature will be much cooler.

Sometimes the high humidity coupled with high temperature drains out a lot of energy on the fielding team, and that is exactly what both teams will be looking to avoid. The toll of fielding in the Chennai heat can be disadvantageous for the team batting second. Hence win the Toss, and bat first!

Chennai Pitch will suit spinners as Match goes on

Chennai's pitch is generally on the slower side. And it is going to assist spinners as the match progresses.

Both teams have quality spinners in their ranks. Pakistan have the likes of Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan while Afghanistan can bank on their spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Noor Ahmad.

It is going to be much more difficult to chase in Chennai if the pitch assists the spinners as there is almost no chance for dew in Chennai. Hence batting first will give certain advantages as either team can deploy their army of spinners to stifle the opposition.