Preview: In the opening T20 World Cup 2024 match, scheduled for June 8 at Providence Stadium in Guyana, New Zealand will host Afghanistan. With most of their players from their five-match series against Pakistan not included in the squad, the Kane Williamson-led team hasn’t played much cricket recently. And yet the Kiwis are a formidable team, particularly in ICC events when they consistently deliver a strong performance.
On the other hand, in their first game of the campaign, Afghanistan defeated Uganda with an unbelievable triumph. Rahat Ali Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Naveen-ul-Haq were all outstanding with the ball, while openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave the squad an ideal start. Although they won easily, they will have a harder and more challenging battle when they play New Zealand.
The emphasis will be on the hitters, but they have a very strong bowling team and favorable conditions in Guyana. Concerns should be raised because, except from Gurbaz and Ibrahim, nobody else impressed.
Meanwhile, New Zealand has a wealth of players who can win games. Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips can all be crucial with the bat, but captain Kane Williamson himself will be an important member of his team. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner are two bowlers that can really make an impact. In addition, they have seasoned players like Tim Southee and Trent Boult, whose background will be beneficial.
T20 World Cup 2024, 14th Match, NZ vs AFG
Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana
Date & Time: Saturday, June 08, 05:00 AM
Pitch Report: In the West Indies, Providence Stadium in Guyana, has some of the best batting surfaces. Batsmen can hit through the line on this surface; we have seen massive scores. Fast bowlers have been effective recently and are able to move the ball. The ball can be turned by spinners during the second half of the game.Rain is predicted in Guyana, and there will be clouds above the field during the match. Nonetheless, bowlers will have little leeway and it will be a decent wicket to bat on. 180 runs on the board will make the team batting first very delighted.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI
New Zealand (NZ): Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee
Afghanistan (AFG): Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
