The stage is set for the big clash between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday.
New Zealand, the last year’s World Cup runners-up, started their campaign this time on a high note after defeating the defending champions Australia by 89 runs in the Super 12 opener on Saturday.
Afghanistan, however, faced a dull start as they lost their first against England by 5 wickets. Now they will look to bounce back when the Mohammad Nabi-led side walk into the field to play against New Zealand on Wednesday to stay in semi-finals contention.
WHERE TO WATCH
The game between New Zealand versus Afghanistan will be telecasted on Star Sports Network. Fans will be able to watch the live streaming of NZ Vs AFG match on Disney+Hotstar app.
You can also track live scores and updates on the Stumps and Bails website as well.
WHEN TO WATCH
Match: 21st match of T20 World Cup 2022
Date & Time: 26-10-22 (Wednesday), 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Pitch Report
If the batters able to survive the initial overs, then they can dominate the game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, as it surface is known for providing a good balance between bat and ball. Spinners will not get that much of help at this pitch.
NZ Vs AFG Predicted Playing XIs
New Zealand XI
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult
Afghanistan XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hazratullah Zazai, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Usman Ghani, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmed, Fazalhaq Farooqi
NZ Vs AFG: POWERPLAY PREDICTION
Both New Zealand openers are in destructive form, if they both played full powerplay overs then sky is the limit as we had already seen in the previous game, as when the time Finn Allen left the crease New Zealand were already at 56 in 4 overs, justifies their calibre. However, this pitch will be bit different from that of Perth. Still we can say 50-55 will be easily achievable by New Zealand batters, considering their form. Afghanistan, on the other hand, may score 40 to 45 in the first six overs.
NZ Vs AFG DEATH OVERS PREDICTION
New Zealand team batting line-up consist full of power hitters, even the anchor in the side Kane Williamson too struck big hits sometimes. While the other batters are only known for their exploits. The team posted 200 on board that too against the hosts and the defending champions Australia, if we see this with that calculation then the BlackCaps will try to put 50 runs on board during the death overs. The Nabi side will try to at least 35 in the final few overs.
NZ Vs AFG Who will win the match?
New Zealand is way stronger than its opponent and currently roaming in the tournament with high confidence after edging past the defending champions in their first 2022 World Cup encounter. Afghanistan, on the other hand, already faced defeat in their first game and a loss here will might end their World Cup run. So, they will try to make the most out of this game, but considering the current form of both teams, New Zealand is looking a clear winner of this match.
