NZ vs AFG Match Preview
New Zealand successfully reached the semifinals in the previous season, announcing a squad that closely resembles the one that traveled to Australia, with the exception of Rachin Ravindra and Matt Henry stepping in for Martin Guptill and Adam Milne.
The team's batting lineup is a force to be reckoned with, spearheaded by Kane Williamson. Devon Conway and Finn Allen are expected to open, followed by Daryl Mitchell, Ravindra, Williamson, and Glenn Phillips.
New Zealand's batting lineup is packed with power and adaptability. Despite a lackluster IPL performance, we believe Rachin Ravindra has the potential to make a significant impact.
The pace attack will be led by the seasoned pair of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, supported by Lockie Ferguson, while Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner will aim to control the game during the middle overs. Spin has proven to be crucial at Guyana, making Santner a strong contender for New Zealand's top bowler in this upcoming match.
Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz provided a strong start for the team in the previous match by scoring 154 runs for the opening wicket. They are known as one of the most dynamic pairs in the tournament.
However, Afghanistan's weakness lies in its middle order, with inconsistent performances from Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, and Gulbadin Naib.
Although there are all-rounders like Karim Janat and Azmatullah Omarzai, they may not be able to play long innings. Fazalhaq Farooqi bowled impressively in the last match, taking five wickets. He will be supported by Naveen Ul-Haq, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan will lead the spin department.
Afghanistan possesses a strong bowling unit, especially effective in conditions favoring spinners.
Weather Report
The weather will be warm and humid and we can expect showers throughout the day.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Guyana isn’t the easiest to bat on. There is plenty of help on offer, both for the seamers as well as the spinners. The ball nips around when it is new, where there is plenty of turn as the ball gets a bit old.
Notable stats
Gurbaz: One To Watch
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 76 runs in the last match was the highest individual score for Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup, bettering Najibullah Zadran’s 73, which came against the Black Caps in 2021.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
NZ vs AFG Probable 11
NZ Playing 11
- Devon Conway (Wk)
- Finn Allen
- Kane Williamson (C)
- Rachin Ravindra
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Mitchell Santner
- Trent Boult
- Tim Southee
- Ish Sodhi
- Lockie Ferguson
AFG Playing 11
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Gubadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Najibullah Zadran
- Rashid Khan (C)
- Karim Janat
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen Ul-Haq
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing New Zealand to win this match. They are a much stronger team compared to Afghanistan in all departments and have never lost a match against them.
The latter’s middle-order batting hasn’t been the strongest and will likely struggle against New Zealand’s formidable bowling attack.
Top Picks
Rashid Khan: One of the best slower bowlers in T20 cricket, Rashid Khan has picked up at least 2 wickets in 3 of his last 4 matches.
Kane Williamson: Williamson is one of New Zealand’s most prolific batsmen. He is in good form of late and has scored 3 half-centuries in his last 5 innings.
Trent Boult: Boult has an excellent record in T20 World Cups. He has picked up 25 wickets at an average of 14.64 and a strike rate of 13.36.
NZ vs AFG Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: R Gurbaz
Batters: K Williamson (C), I Zadran, D Mitchell, R Ravindra
All-rounders: A Omarzai, M Santner
Bowlers: Rashid-Khan (VC), T Boult, T Southee, F Farooqi
