T20 World Cup 2022: New Zealand VS Afghanistan - Match predictions and tips

    The Black Caps will face Afghanistan on Wednesday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, looking to build on their opening-round win against hosts Australia in Sydney on Saturday

    New Zealand VS Afghanistan New Zealand VS Afghanistan

    Daryl Mitchell will return for the match against Afghanistan; according to head coach Gary Stead, he will replace Mark Chapman in the middle order.

    Afghanistan started the 2022 T20 World Cup with a five-wicket defeat to England. Meanwhile, New Zealand has plenty of momentum after a big win over defending champions Australia last Saturday.

    New Zealand leads the head-to-head with the Afghan cricket team 1-0. The two teams met last year in Abu Dhabi, where the Blackcaps won by eight wickets.

    New Zealand Players to watch

     1. Devon Conway: He became the fastest New Zealander - and third-fastest batter overall - to reach 1000 T20I runs on Saturday, getting there in his 26th innings.

     2. Trent Boult: He is the most experienced bowler on the New Zealand side. His spell will be crucial for early wickets.

    Afghanistan Players to watch

    1. Ibrahim Zadran: On the batting front, Ibrahim Zadran enters as a significant contributor. Unlike Rahmanullah Gurbaz or Hazratullah Zazai, Zadran is not a powerful hitter but possesses the technique and attitude to build or rebuild an innings.

    2. Rashid Khan: He will be Afghanistan's key bowler or game-changer.

    Match Prediction

    New Zealand is predicted to win today's match as they have an experienced side compared to Afghanistan.

    Top Picks

    Devon Conway

    Trent Boult

    Ibrahim Zadran

    Rashid Khan

    Pitch Report

    The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch frequently provides an outstanding balance between bat and ball. The pacers might get some good carry and bounce here, especially early in the game. However, given this venue's track record and reputation, spinners may have a limited role here. 

    Team Squad

    New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Daryl Mitchell, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Michael Bracewell

    Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Saleem Safi

     

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