Will Afghanistan beating New Zealand be considered an upset? The Afghans have turned into a T20 specialist side in the past few years, and although they haven’t broken through in ICC events, they don’t seem far from it. Playing in sluggish Guyanese conditions, it won’t exactly be a shock if they shock Kane Williamson’s Kiwis. However, beating the perpetual performers won’t be easy. New Zealand has a balanced team with many proficient spin hitters and a flurry of all-rounders in their lineup.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head
The Kiwis have a 1-0 record over the Blue Tigers in T20Is. Their only meeting came at the 2021 T20 World Cup, where New Zealand beat Afghanistan comfortably by 8 wickets.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Team News
Injuries don’t seem to be a big issue for both teams, but form might be. Kiwis Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Phillips haven’t played much cricket in the past couple of months, while Rashid Khan hasn’t been at his best since his return from injury.
NZ vs AFG Pitch Report
Three matches have been played at the Providence Stadium in Guyana in the T20 World Cup. One thing us evident, the chasing team will have an advantage. The sluggish surface, much to everyone’s surprise helps both pacers and spinners. A big reason why chasing sides (19-8 record since 2022) do so well here are the shortened games played here due to rain.
NZ vs AFG Weather Report
On June 8, there is an 18 to 34% chance of rain from 5 PM to 11 PM in Guyana, and humidity will hover between 82 and 89% during these hours. Given that the match starts at 7:30 PM GYT, dew might play a role in the outcome of the match, especially in the second inning, where bowlers might find it tough to control the wet ball.
T20 World Cup
NZ vs AFG Predicted XI
New Zealand Predicted XI
Finn Allen (wk), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Trent Boult.
Tim Southee, the highest wicket-taker in T20I history, will sit out as the Kiwis go for powerplay specialists Henry and Boult, along with speedster Ferguson. They’ll have three spin options and two medium pacers in Mitchell and Neesham.
Afghanistan Predicted XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Despite having the world’s best spin attack, the Blue Tigers will go with three pacers due to the sluggish surface, which will aid pacers equally.
