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Afghanistan vs New Zealand Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today Cricket World Cup Match | CWC 2019

Gautam Kapoor
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Afghanistan vs New Zealand Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today Cricket World Cup Match | CWC 2019

Afghanistan vs New Zealand Match Prediction: The Sportsrush present before you Match Prediction of 2019 World Cup Match 13 between AFG and NZ.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand, a clash which features two sides who compose either side of the coin till now. The day-night encounter on Saturday sees us be immersed in what is till now supposed to be an extremely one-sided encounter given the narrative both these countries have written in their opening two matches.

Yet winless after two matches, Afghanistan know another defeat would severely damage the high expectations accorded from them this tournament. Whilst they are still a relatively new side in the international arena, their abilities as a cricket playing country are second to few.

On the other hand from the dramatic land of the World Cup, New Zealand have emerged as one of the most well-rounded units. They followed up a trouncing of Sri Lanka with a jittery win against Bangladesh, one which tested their resolve and perseverance. They’ve showcased they have the depth to grind out results from difficult situations as well, something which holds them in good stead for the long road ahead.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand – What numbers suggest?

Both the countries have played only the single ODI till date with New Zealand registering a win in that particular match.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand – Key Battles

Mohammad Nabi vs Martin Guptill

Both are vital players for their side and with Afghanistan’s affinity to open up with spin, this is face-off we could be indulged in the early part of the innings. The country have a prolonged rank-turning attack, one they also look to deploy fortuitously against any opposition.

And given Martin Guptill’s massive difficulties against the spinners, Mohammad Nabi is someone who could send him packing early on. Guptill has traditionally always hated playing he ball which nibs into him, grinding it tough to get under the spinning variety.

Nabi been consistent this World Cup and would be looking to replicate it against Guptill. What could work in his favour is the ball which crashes off the surface, bowled near the middle stump and comes back into Guptill’s pads.

Gulbadin Naib vs Lockie Feguson

Be it against Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, Lockie Ferguson as the first-change pacer has emerged as a real revelation for New Zealand. His IPL was lacklustre at best but he’s stepped up his performances massively on the biggest stage of them all to become a fulcrum in the middle overs for his side.

His and Naib’s face-off will constitute an extremely important part of the match. Not only is Naib responsible of chipping in with vital cameos but coming in at number 6, Afghanistan’s captain is vital to holding together Afghanistan’s tail together.

Naib has shown on the trickiest of surfaces that he has the technique and acumen to show the resolve and patience needed to score the runs and against Lockie he’ll have to be ready to put his feet down and play out some rippers.

Afghanistan vs New Zealand – Match Prediction

One of the two sides to have a glistening 100% record in the tournament alongside Australia, New Zealand have showcased the myriad abilities they posses as a cricketing country in front of the world. Up against Afghanistan in their third match, its New Zealand who are without a question the heavy favourites to walk away with a win.

While Afghanistan have shown glimpses of their exquisite skill set at the tournament, their lack of maintaining composure at crucial positions has ended up costing them. They’ve suffered two batting collapses now against Australia and Sri Lanka, blows which have cost them the match.

The one area where New Zealand have a problem though is the consistency factor in their batting department. The middle-order is way too prone to walking back to the pavilion in quick succession and Afghanistan’s versatile pacers will be looking to capitalise on that. However, it’s an equation that is too heavily stacked in New Zealand’s favour and they should make it three wins out of three here.

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