Afghanistan, with the wind behind their sails after beating England comprehensively two days in the past, will look to construct on solely its second World Cup win when it takes on New Zealand on the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.
Greater than the end result, what was spectacular about Afghanistan’s 69-run win in Delhi on Sunday was the way it outplayed the defending champion and at all times had its nostril forward all through the match.
Proper from Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brutal onslaught on the high of the order – as he and Ibrahim Zadran added a 114-run opening stand – Afghanistan got here out all weapons blazing earlier than their spinners spun an online across the English batters.
After being bundled out cheaply in its first match towards Bangladesh, Afghanistan batters had way more disciplined performances within the two video games towards India and England, albeit on essentially the most batting-friendly pitches seen to date within the match.
It was one thing its skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi had even stated on the eve of the match when he remarked, “I imagine on this World Cup we are going to give a press release concerning the batting that we might be excellent.”
On the similar time, the staff will even bear in mind that it left runs on the desk within the final two matches because it misplaced wickets in a cluster in the course of the center part of the sport. Forward of the match towards the Kiwis, the Afghan skipper cited it as an space the staff must work on. If it may well put the runs on board, the staff has a great depth in bowling to hassle most groups on their day.
In the meantime, New Zealand, as soon as once more with out skipper Kane Williamson, will look to proceed its march and maintain its unbeaten document. The staff has gone about its enterprise in its inimitable model, with nearly each participant delivering to date of their well-defined roles. The important thing to the Black Caps’ three wins has been the power to take wickets by means of the center part, with the likes of Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson delivering the products.
Whereas the Tom Latham-led aspect will likely be cautious of the spin menace of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi, the Kiwis will nonetheless really feel it holds the sting, having been within the metropolis for the final week and having a great learn of the circumstances.
– S. Dipak Ragav