Cricbuzzteam, In the ODI World Cup 2023,16th Match, NZ vs AFG are set to clash on 18 October, it’s a highly anticipated showdown that will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Afghanistan has made a grand entrance into the ICC World Cup 2023. They achieved a remarkable victory over the defending champions, England, in Delhi. This win marked their first triumph in the tournament and has catapulted them to the sixth spot on the points table. However, their journey gets even tougher as they face New Zealand at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on October 18. The Kiwis have been on a winning streak, occupying the second position on the table with 6 points from three games and a strong net run rate of 1.604.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.
key Players
- Devon Conway: A stylish left-handed batsman known for his consistent run-scoring and ability to maintain a brisk scoring rate.
- Will Young: A talented batsman who can anchor the innings and provide stability in the middle order.
- Mitchell Santner: A spin-bowling all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball, offering versatility to the team.
- Tom Latham (c & wk): The captain and wicket-keeper, Latham’s leadership and batting skills play a vital role in the team’s success.
- Trent Boult: A world-class swing bowler, Boult’s ability to take early wickets and provide breakthroughs is crucial for New Zealand’s pace attack.
Afghanistan Predicted Playing XI:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
key Players
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: An aggressive opening batsman known for his attacking style and ability to provide a quick start.
- Rahmat Shah: A technically sound batsman who can stabilize the innings and provide a strong foundation.
- Mohammad Nabi: An experienced all-rounder who can make significant contributions with both bat and ball, providing versatility to the team.
- Rashid Khan: A world-class leg-spinner, Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s premier bowler, capable of taking crucial wickets and controlling the game.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: A young spin sensation, Mujeeb’s variations and spin skills can create challenges for the opposition.
NZ vs AFG: Mega Team
NZ vs AFG: H2H Team
NZ vs AFG: Small Team
Weather Conditions
The MA Chidambaram Stadium’s pitch offers advantages to bowlers, especially spinners, all through the match. In the early stages of the first innings, batting becomes somewhat easier. However, as the pitch wears down, spinners gain prominence, and batters find it challenging to score freely. Additionally, during the evening, the ball tends to move around a lot, providing fast bowlers an opportunity to shine in the first 10 overs of the second innings. When dew sets in, the ball plays more favorably for batsmen, making batting comfortable.
The weather in Chennai will be mostly warm and humid.
Venue Details
In the two matches held at Chennai in the tournament, the teams batting first achieved totals of 199 and 245-9. The chasing teams successfully pursued the target after a few initial overs. If the pitch remains the same, we can anticipate another low-scoring game. A target of around 270–280 runs could well be a winning score.
Toss: Opt for Bowling
In both of the World Cup matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the team batting second emerged victorious. Therefore, the team winning the toss is highly likely to choose to field first.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. When making your own prediction, take into account the points mentioned and make an informed decision.