Rain had played spoilsport during the first match of the two-match ODI series between Scotland and Afghanistan on Monday, which led to no result. Hence the second ODI between the two teams at Edinburgh, with better weather in store for cricket fans, is a winner-takes-all situation on Wednesday.
Though the first ODI was abandoned due to rain, Afghanistan batsmen will go into the second match confident, especially Rahmat Shah, who scored his maiden ton in the first match. Afghanistan had scored 283 runs in 47.2 overs until the unfortunate rains came, and the game never started after the downpour got heavier.
With such a great batting performance from Afghanistan, Scotland will be aware of the need to come up with an improved performance, especially from their bowlers.
Besides Shah's ton, Afghanistan batsman Najibullah Zadran looked in dangerous form, hitting the Scotland bowlers all around the park. The left-hand batsman scored a 53-ball 89, which comprised nine fours and five sixes. Though the match was played in Scotland, there were plenty of Afghanistan supporters at the venue, who made their presence felt with strong vocal support.
The first ODI might have been all about Afghanistan batsmen, but Scotland as a batting unit are no slouch either. They need an all-round performance in the second ODI. With players like Mohammad Shahzad and other in-form batsmen for Afghanistan rarring to go, Scotland's bowlers, including Brad Wheal and Alasdair Evans, need to be on top of their game. On the batting front, Scotland's Preston Mommsen and Kyle Coetzer will hold the key.
Afghanistan might have a slight edge going into the second ODI, due to their dominant batting display on Monday. However, they will have to start all afresh again, and hope to win the series against Scotland, which will give them further confidence to take on Ireland in the upcoming five-match ODI series, starting July 10.
Afghanistan have been playing some quality cricket in the World T20 and other competitions, and a quality performance against these two European nations will only reinforce the team's place as one of the strong upcoming teams in world cricket.
Scotland: Preston Mommsen (C), Kyle Coetzer, Alasdair Evans, Brad Wheal, Calum MacLeod, Con de Lange, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt, Matthew Cross (wk), Michael Leask, Richie Berrington, Safyaan Sharif, Ruaidhri Smith.
Afghanistan: 
Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Noor Ali Zadran, Javed Ahmadi, Asghar Stanikzai (C), Rahmat Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah Shinwari, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, Mirwais Ashraf, Gulbadin Naib, Dawlat Zadran, Hamid Hassan, Shapoor Zadran, Amir Hamza Hotak, Yamin Ahmadzai.
Where to watch live:
The Scotland vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI is scheduled for a 10.45 a.m. local time (3.15 p.m. IST) start. There is no live coverage in India and the UK for the second ODI between Scotland and Afghanistan.
There will be no live coverage in UK as well.
Afghan TV will telecast Scotland vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI live in Afghanistan. For the live streaming option click here.
Quipu TV will show the Scotland vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI live in Scotland. Live streaming option will be available here.
