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New Zealand will kick-start the fourth round of matches when they face off against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup. This will be played on October 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Our top New Zealand vs Afghanistan predictions
Contents
On the face of it New Zealand look to be a well-oiled unit for these conditions and should live up to the 1/4 (1.25) odds on offer. Afghanistan will hope that Rahmanullah Gurbaz and their spinners can combine yet again to give them a chance.
First Prediction: Top Afghanistan batsman – Hasmutullah Shahidi: 11/2 (6.5)
While Gurbaz had a brilliant outing against England, we expect the Kiwi bowlers to find a way past him early. On the other hand, captain Shahidi hit a solid half-century against New Zealand in their last meeting and we expect him to kick-start from where he had left off there.
Second Prediction: Team of top batsman – New Zealand: 8/13 (1.61)
New Zealand’s batting has shown all throughout this tournament so far that they are difficult to dislodge. With Afghanistan batting having generally given out modest returns, it’s not tough to see why the Kiwis will not just run away with this match but also find get some of their big guns get big scores.
NZ vs AFG – Can New Zealand keep their slate clean?
With wins over England, Netherlands and Bangladesh in their first three matches, New Zealand are one of three teams to remain unbeaten at the time of writing. They take on a side, however, which caused the one of the greatest upsets of all time in World Cup cricket.
New Zealand
Captain Kane Williamson returned to the side after having missed out the previous two matches but will miss this one again because of a freak fracture.
That might have long-term ramifications on the side’s performances but for now they should be able to manage like they did in the opening couple of wins over England and Netherlands.
The biggest moment in Afghanistan's cricket history. And a great example of how you accept adversity and keep looking ahead. Afghanistan remains the most memorable cricket story of our times.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 15, 2023
Afghanistan
On a high after having stunned the defending champions in Delhi, Afghanistan will find the conditions in Chennai to their liking. Especially their spinners.
The opposition strategy, however, could be slightly different in that the Afghanistan spinners might not get handed over their wickets on a platter.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan h2h score
There have been two previous meetings between these two and New Zealand have won both times. Both these matches came at the World Cup – 2015 and 2019 – and New Zealand took their opponents down with ease, having 83 and 107 balls to spare.
Pitch report and weather conditions
The humidity will continue to remain a difficult proposition as it can be expected to touch over 70% to go with temperatures of 32 degree centigrade.
The pitch here has not been the highest-scoring one but what was interesting to note was that while in the first game, it was the Indian spinners who found assistance, in the second the New Zealand seamers ran through Bangladesh.
Key match details for NZ v AFG
- Date & Time: 8.30 am GMT, Wednesday, October 18
- Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
- Where to watch: Sky Sports will broadcast this match in the UK while Indian viewers can watch it with Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar. In New Zealand, this will be live with Sky Sport and Skygo.co.nz while Afghanistan fans can watch it on Ariana TV and arianatelevision.com in their country.
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