New Zealand vs Afghanistan Live Score, Cricket World Cup 2023 Updates: As the cricket world turns its gaze toward the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, an electrifying encounter is on the cards. New Zealand, an unbeaten team of the tournament so far, are preparing to lock horns with Afghanistan, fresh from their sensational victory against England. With India leading the points table, New Zealand trail in second place, bolstered by three wins and a strong net run rate. Afghanistan, having sprung one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, occupy the sixth spot.
Unveiling a twist to the MA Chidambaram Stadium’s typical narrative, recent matches have favoured teams batting second. Despite an historical edge for teams opting to bat first—claiming victory in 14 out of 25 games—the tide has turned. Both recent World Cup games hosted at this venue saw teams chasing targets of 200 and 246, turning the tables on the established paradigm.
It’s worth noting that the venue has been a playing field that rewards the tactically adept, particularly those skilled against spin bowling. The pitch can be a double-edged sword: While established batsmen can score heavily, the surface’s slow pace can fox power hitters.
New Zealand’s invincibility this season isn’t their only claim to fame in this match-up. The Kiwis have a historical upper hand, defeating Afghanistan in both previous ODIs during past World Cups. However, Afghanistan’s form this year could make for a very different contest. Under Hashmatullah Shahidi’s leadership, the team now boasts stars like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
While New Zealand continue to ride a wave of success with three matches and as many wins, Afghanistan are lifted by a morale-boosting victory against England—the defending world champions no less. The Afghans outclassed England by 69 runs, shaking the points table and the World Cup narrative at large.
This clash isn’t just a fixture; it’s a litmus test for both squads. New Zealand aim to continue its winning spree, holding onto the coveted second spot on the table. Afghanistan, on the other hand, want to maintain its newfound momentum, striving to climb further up the ladder.
New Zealand Probable XI
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (capt, wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Mark Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Afghanistan Probable XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Check LIVE updates.
NZ vs AFG Live: Can Kane Williamson still play?
While there were reports that Kane Williamson had been ruled out for the entire tournament, New Zealand later informed that he would remain in the squad “with the aim of being available for the back end of pool play next month”.
“An X-ray has confirmed an undisplaced fracture to Kane Williamson’s left thumb,” it added. “Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover.”
NZ vs AFG Live: Can Black Caps continue the winning streak?
New Zealand are undefeated so far in the tournament; so are India. With a better net run rate, the Men in Blue are at number 1 on the points table. The Kiwis, on the other hand, are at number 2. If they win today’s match, they will reclaim the top spot.
NZ vs AFG Live: Personal milestones
There are two bowling records, rather personal milestones, expected in this match. Mitchell Santner is one short of taking 100 wickets in ODIs. This seems likely, keeping Santner’s present form in mind. Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman needs four wickets to reach the 100-mark in ODIs. This seems to be a task. But, you never know!
NZ vs AFG Live: How to watch online
The New Zealand vs Afghanistan match will air live on Indian television via Star Sports channels. Indian viewers can also enjoy free live streaming of these matches on the Disney+Hotstar app and website. Social media giant Meta has also partnered with the ICC for World Cup 2023 coverage on Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook and Threads. The match will start at 2 PM.
NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand vs Afghanistan in 2015
In the ICC World Cup 2015, it was Afghanistan that won the toss and decided to bat first. Thanks to Najibullah Zadaran’s 56 off 56 balls and Samiullah Shenwari’s 54 off 110 balls, Afghanistan recovered from 59/6 and put up a score of 186 in 47.4 overs. Daniel Vettori, who would later receive the Man of the Match award, took 4 wickets in 10 overs by giving away just 18 runs.
New Zealand openers Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum took the game away by putting up a 53-run partnership. The Black Caps reached the target in 36.1 overs and won it by 6 wickets.
NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand vs Afghanistan in 2019
In the ICC World Cup 2019, New Zealand and Afghanistan faced off at the Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton, England. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first. Hashmatullah Shahidi was the highest scorer for Afghanistan with 59 off 99 balls.
Openers Hazrat Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran put up a 66-run partnership. However, nobody else did much, and Afghanistan were 172 all out in 41.1 overs. Jimmy Neesham took 5 wickets for 31 and was declared the Man of the Match even though Kane Williamson was not out at 79 to take his team home in 32.1 overs. New Zealand won by 7 wickets.
NZ vs AFG Live: New Zealand Probable XI
New Zealand Probable XI
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (capt, wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Mark Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
NZ vs AFG Live: Afghanistan Probable XI
Afghanistan Probable XI
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
NZ vs AFG Live: Afghanistan coming from a historic win
Afghanistan defeated defending world champions England by 69 runs in a historic turn of events in their last match. The first upset of the ICC World Cup 2023 has already gone into the history books as the Afghans enjoyed their second victory in all World Cups.
NZ vs AFG Live: Kane Williamson ruled out
Reports suggest there will be no Kane Williamson for the rest of the tournament. He has been ruled out due to a fractured thumb. However, New Zealand won the first two matches even when they missed their legendary captain. The Black Caps would like to forget what they are missing and focus on what they have in hand.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
