T20 WC 2021: NZ vs AFG Preview – India’s future hangs in the hands of Afghanistan
Afghanistan and New Zealand are all set to meet each other in the T20 World Cup 2021 as they play their last match of the Super 12. A lot is riding on this game and the stakes are quite high. New Zealand have won three out of their four games while Afghanistan have won two of their four matches.
As Pakistan are confirmed as one of the semi-finalists, there is only one place left. At this moment, three teams are fighting for it, India, Afghanistan and New Zealand. The equation is quite simple for the Kiwis as a win would be enough. However, a loss for them will eliminate them. Afghanistan need to win and also by a good enough margin to keep their chances alive. With all the permutations laid out, this contest should be a tasty affair to witness.
Match Info
New Zealand vs Afghanistan, 40th Match, Super 12 Group 2
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time: 3:30 PM IST
Head to head
This is the first time that Afghanistan and New Zealand will be facing in a T20I match. However, the two teams have played in a couple of ODIs before in the World Cups. Both the times (2015 and 2019) New Zealand won the match.
Team News:
New Zealand: Since bringing in Adam Mile and dropping Tim Seifert, New Zealand have stayed consistent with their line-up. There was a bit of an injury concern with Ish Sodhi, however, he is fit and fine to take the field. The man himself confirmed the news and is set to bowl his leg-spinners in a crucial game.
Afghanistan: The Afghan team is sweating over the fitness of Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The spinner has missed out from selection from the last two matches and his services were especially missed in the India game. If he returns, Hamid Hassan might have to go back to the benches. Apart from that, Sharafuddin Ashraf, who came in for Asghar Afghan, might also be left out, if Mujeeb returns. Afghanistan might add another batter but that situation also allows them to retain Hamid in the team.
Probable XI
