Match Prediction:
Match 16 of the 2023 Cricket World Cup pits New Zealand against Afghanistan in a day-night match in Chennai on Wednesday afternoon. New Zealand has had a strong start to the tournament, with victories over England, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh and India in their first two games before causing one of the greatest World Cup upsets of all time by defeating 2019 World Cup winners England by 69 runs on Sunday. The match begins at 14:00 local time at the MA Chidambaram in Chepauk.
In 2019, New Zealand advanced to the final before losing on a boundary count-back following a draw and a super over decider. They’ve had a great start to the season, with three wins in a row, and they should be too powerful with both bat and ball for Afghanistan.
Before their memorable win over England on Sunday, Afghanistan had only won one Cricket World Cup game, a one-wicket victory over Scotland in 2015. Although the team will be full of confidence going into this match, they will need another strong effort to compete with New Zealand.
Winning Chances:
Toss Prediction:
The side batting second has won the last two ODIs at this venue, and we forecast that both teams will choose to field first in this match.
Weather Report:
In Chennai, there will be a mix of cloud and sun in the afternoon, followed by clear sky later in the evening. The temperature will not drop below 27 degrees.
Pitch Report:
This will be the third match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, and the pitch has traditionally favored the bowlers. A par score will be about 300, but batting will be difficult.
New Zealand Preview:
Following a lengthy absence due to a knee injury, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson fractured his thumb in New Zealand’s triumph over Bangladesh on Friday. He may return later in the group stage, but he will almost surely miss this World Cup 2023 encounter.
New Zealand Squad Predicted:
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c) (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Afghanistan Preview:
Although it is a different location in a different city, it would be surprising if Afghanistan made any changes in this match following their historic victory in the last game. We expect the same XI to take the field on Wednesday, especially with the Chepauk ground likely to aid spinners once more.
Afghanistan Squad Predicted
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
New Zealand vs Afghanistan Prediction:
Most commentators expected New Zealand to have an easy game in this game before Afghanistan upset England on Sunday. However, with the conditions in Chennai likely to favour some of Afghanistan’s bowling assault, we may be in for another exciting contest. Player for player, and even without Tim Southee and Trent Boult, New Zealand has far more top-level experience and is in better form than Afghanistan. Overall, we expect Afghanistan’s youthful team to give the Black Caps pause, but we forecast New Zealand to triumph again and make it four wins in a row in the competition.
