New Zealand and Afghanistan will face off at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, both aiming to continue momentum at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The Blackcaps have won three consecutive games, clinically conquering Bangladesh last time out. Afghanistan registered their first World Cup victory in eight years after sensationally defeating England recently.
Despite losing captain Kane Williamson to injury, New Zealand remain firm favorites given their sheer dominance across departments so far. But Afghanistan are no pushovers after stunning world champions England. Chennai’s traditionally spin-friendly conditions could assist Afghanistan, forcing New Zealand to be at their absolute best here.
This promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams riding winning waves currently. New Zealand have looked championship caliber but Afghanistan’s spirited performances mean they cannot be discounted. An entertaining contest awaits between two in-form outfits.
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New Zealand Overview
The New Zealand batting lineup has been highly consistent this World Cup, spearheaded by Conway, Mitchell and Ravindra while skipper Williamson aims to regain form. The bowling unit has performed just as impressively, reaping regular scalps courtesy of Boult, Henry, Ferguson and Santner.
Even sans Williamson, the Blackcaps have emerged as serious title contenders, notching up commanding performances across all facets of the game. They will be determined to sustain winning momentum against unpredictable Afghanistan.
Their world-class balance of penetrative pace and guileful spin makes New Zealand extremely difficult to conquer currently. With seasoned campaigners like Boult, Southee and Latham in their ranks, the Kiwis have the ideal blend of experience and exuberance needed for major tournament success.
Afghanistan Overview
Afghanistan have unearthed a gem at the top in the form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has been their chief run-getter this World Cup alongside skipper Shahidi and rookie stumper Alikhil. The famed spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi orchestrated Afghanistan’s sensational heist over defending champions England.
The Afghans will derive tremendous confidence from conquering the titleholders coming into this contest. If their talented spinners can weave some magic again, Afghanistan is certainly capable of causing another monumental upset. But lack of consistency across departments remains their Achilles heel.
They will take heart from their spirited performances and giant-killing ability so far. But to challenge a champion side like New Zealand, Afghanistan will need substantial contributions from both batsmen and bowlers.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for New Zealand:
- Devon Conway
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (c)/(wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Lockie Ferguson
- Trent Boult
Expected Starting XI for Afghanistan:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Ikram Alikhil (wk)
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head
New Zealand enjoys outright dominance over Afghanistan in their limited ODI meetings so far. They have comfortably won both previous World Cup clashes against Afghanistan – triumphing by 6 wickets in 2015 followed by a 7 wicket victory in 2019.
Afghanistan are yet to defeat New Zealand in any international fixture across formats. However, Afghanistan’s fearless brand of spirited cricket means they can never be taken lightly no matter what the record books suggest.
New Zealand currently looks extremely well-balanced and in red-hot form. But Afghanistan will derive confidence from conquering England and back themselves to challenge the rampant Kiwis.
Considering Afghanistan’s giant-killing exploits so far, the threat of their mystery spinners and New Zealand’s injury issues, the Afghans will fancy causing an upset this time. But based on recent form and the gulf in experience between the two teams, New Zealand has a substantial edge head-to-head.
Weather & Pitch Report
The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has traditionally had slow, low turners that aid spin bowling. The average 1st innings score here is around 245 in ODIs.
The dry pitch is expected to grip, turn and keep low early on which can make strokeplay tricky against the newer ball. Batting becomes relatively easier as the innings progresses and batters get set. Dew in the evening may aid the team chasing.
Spin bowlers will extract sharp turn and bounce on this surface. Variable bounce will pose a stern test for the batsmen. Considering the venue’s dynamics, the match will likely be a low-scoring affair.
The side winning the toss may prefer chasing by bowling first, containing the opposition before batting in easier conditions later on.
Both teams boast quality spinners to exploit the familiar Chennai conditions. Overall the pitch should favor the spinners more than pacers. The team playing smart cricket will likely come out victorious.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Match Prediction
New Zealand have played outstanding ODI cricket lately, making them extremely hard to overcome at this World Cup. But Afghanistan won’t hold back, especially after conquering England last time out.
New Zealand look very well-balanced, with in-form batsmen and bowlers working in unison. But Afghanistan’s unpredictability, particularly if their talented spinners strike form again, makes them a huge threat.
Considering New Zealand’s red-hot form, world-class balance and Afghanistan’s over-reliance on a few match-winners, the Blackcaps should have enough firepower to maintain their winning momentum.
But Afghanistan’s spirited performances and track record of punching above their weight means they cannot be written off either. This could go down to the wire.
Prediction: New Zealand’s all-round quality and depth should eventually see them edge past Afghanistan in a thrilling contest by 3-4 wickets.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Betting Tips
Back in-form Kiwi batters Conway, Mitchell and Ravindra to shine again given their recent consistency. For Afghanistan, Gurbaz and Shahidi seem worthwhile top batsman bets to provide value. The spinning track makes Rashid Khan and Mujeeb smart wicket-taking bets along with Ish Sodhi.
Considering Chennai’s dynamics, betting on a relatively low-scoring match with under 250 runs seems probable. New Zealand’s batting depth suggests they can successfully chase any reasonable target. Bet on them while batting second. Afghanistan’s over-reliance on a few match-winners could be their undoing against a well-balanced NZ unit.
New Zealand deserve favorites tag but Afghanistan have the ammo if their key men fire. Expect a thriller but the Blackcaps might just prevail in a close one.
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