NEW DELHI: New Zealand's captain,
Kane Williamson
, won the toss and elected to field first against Afghanistan in the
T20 World Cup
Group C encounter held at the Guyana National Stadium.
This decision set the stage for a keenly anticipated match-up. Afghanistan has been gaining recognition for their formidable presence in the white ball formats of international cricket.
ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup Schedule T20 | T20 World Cup Points Table
This was evident from their commanding 125-run victory over Uganda, a team making its debut in the tournament, in their opening match at the same venue.
Despite this strong start, Afghanistan was compelled to adjust their lineup due to
Mujeeb ur Rahman
, a pivotal spinner in their squad, being sidelined by a persistent hand injury.
Noor Ahmad
, another talented spinner from their ranks, was chosen to fill Rahman's spot for this crucial game.
New Zealand, on the other hand, arrived at this tournament with high expectations, having finished as runners-up in the 2021 edition. Their campaign in the current tournament began almost a week after its commencement, marking a significant period of anticipation for the team and its supporters.
In a notable selection decision, New Zealand opted to exclude
Rachin Ravindra
, one of their emerging batting talents, from their playing XI for this match.
Mark Chapman
was selected in Ravindra’s stead, indicating the team's strategy and preference for this particular game.
The context of this match is framed by the contrasting yet compelling narratives of both teams. Afghanistan's recent ascendancy in international cricket, particularly in the shorter formats, has been a storyline of growing interest. Their ability to deliver decisive victories, as demonstrated against Uganda, underscores their potential to challenge established cricketing nations.
New Zealand's consistent performance at the highest levels, including their near miss in the previous T20 World Cup, positions them as one of the favorites and adds an intriguing dynamic to the encounter.
New Zealand (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Devon Conway(w), Kane Williamson(c), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
Afghanistan (Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan(c), Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
(Inputs from AFP)
English (US) ·