On one hand, the Afghanistan squad has played some high-quality cricket over the last few years and has progressed leaps and bounds in international cricket. On their day, the Asian outfit have the potential to beat any side in the limited overs cricket with some quality cricketers such as Hazratullah Zazai, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, who can produce the moment of brilliance on the field.
Against Sri Lanka, the Afghanistan bowlers did extremely well to restrict the batsmen to just 201 runs but the Afghanistan batsmen, despite getting starts failed to get the team across the line. The Gulbadin Naib-led side would be hoping for a better batting display against the lethal Kiwi bowling attack and pile some pressure on the favorites.
On the other hand, New Zealand have been the most consistent team under the leadership of Kane Williamson. Having announced their authority in this World Cup with two back-to-back wins, the Blackcaps look a formidable side in this tournament.
After a massive 10-wicket win against Sri Lanka followed by a nail-biting two-wicket win against Bangladesh, they will be looking to continue their positive run with a win against Afganistan.
With the right combination of youth and experience in the squad, the Kiwis will be expected to clinch a win against Afghanistan and maintain their winning run in the competition.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, 8th June 2019
Time: 06:00 PM IST
Venue: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
League: ICC World Cup 2019
Live Telecast: Star Network
Online Streaming: Hotstar
Venue Stats
Avg 1st Innings score: 219
Avg 2nd Innings score: 194
Highest Total: 373/6 (50 Ov) by India vs Sri Lanka
Lowest Total: 101/10 (40.3 Ov) by Sri Lanka Women vs South Africa Women
Highest Chased: 231/5 (41 Ov) by Zimbabwe v Kenya
Lowest Defended: 269/10 (48.3 Ov) by Australia Women v South Africa Women
Team News
Afghanistan
Shahzad has been ruled out for the remaining of the tournament. 18-year-old Ikram Ali Khil will replace him in the starting lineup.
New Zealand
The Blackcaps are expected to go ahead with an unchanged lineup.
Squads
Afghanistan
Gulbadin Naib (C), Hamid Hassan, Asghar Afghan, Mohammad Nabi, Hazratullah Zazai, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammad Shahzad, Aftab Alam, Dawlat Zadran, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman
New Zealand
Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wk), Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor
Key Players
Afghanistan
Md. NabiGulbadin NaibRashid Khan
New Zealand
Kane WilliamsonRoss TaylorTrent Boult
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