Afghanistan players, with the wind behind their sails after beating England comprehensively two days ago, will look to build on only its second World Cup win when it takes on New Zealand at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.
More than the result, what was impressive about Afghanistan’s 69-run win in Delhi on Sunday was how it outplayed the defending champion and always had its nose ahead throughout the match.
Right from Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brutal onslaught at the top of the order — as he and Ibrahim Zadran added 114-run for the opening wicket — Afghanistan came out all guns blazing before its spinners spun a web around the English batters.
After being bundled out cheaply in its first match against Bangladesh, Afghanistan batters had much more disciplined performances in the two games against India and England, albeit on the most batting-friendly pitches seen so far in the tournament.
At the same time, the side will also be aware that it left runs on the table in the last two matches as it lost wickets in a cluster during the middle phase of the innings. Ahead of the match against the Kiwis, the Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi cited it as an area the team needs to work on. If it can put the runs on board, the team has a good depth in bowling to trouble most teams on its day.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, once again without skipper Kane Williamson, will look to continue its march and keep its unbeaten record. The team has gone about its business in its inimitable style, with almost every player delivering so far in their well-defined roles.
Ability to strike
The key to the Black Caps’ three wins has been their ability to take wickets through the middle phase, with the likes of Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson coming good.
While the Tom Latham-led side will be wary of the spin threat of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi, New Zealand will still feel it holds the edge, having been in the city for the last week and having a good read of the conditions.
