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New Zealand will take on Afghanistan in the 21st match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday.
The Black Caps have started the tournament in grand style, beating the hosts and defending champions Australia in their opening match. Afghanistan, on the other hand, were beaten by England in their campaign opener.
Pitch and Weather report:
Arch rivals India and Pakistan played out a thriller at this venue a few days back, and the conditions were in favour of bowlers with plenty of movement. Fans could see a similar display in this game as well.
There are chances of thunderstorm during the afternoon and in the evening but no hints of a possible washout.
Probable XIs:
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Afghanistan: Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
Current Form:
Afghanistan: LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand: WLWWW
What they said:
“Yeah, Southee and Boult, they are both good bowlers and also, bowling-wise, they use the conditions very well. They bowl swing, and also they can bowl slow ones at the same time. Yeah, we all see the videos and everything, and also we discuss all these things,” said Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi ahead of the game.
“I’ve only played a handful of games really at the ‘G, but yeah, an amazing stadium. Obviously, to get out there and be on the World Cup stage is going to be pretty special as well,” said New Zealand pacer Trent Boult.
