New Zealand vs Afghanistan Preview & Prediction | 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup | Group Stage
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand vs Afghanistan on and what time does it start? New Zealand vs Afghanistan will take place on Wednesday 18th October, 2023 – 09:30 (UK)
Where is New Zealand vs Afghanistan taking place? New Zealand vs Afghanistan will take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand vs Afghanistan? Click here for the latest ticket information for New Zealand vs Afghanistan
What channel is New Zealand vs Afghanistan on in the UK? New Zealand vs Afghanistan will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream New Zealand vs Afghanistan in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream New Zealand vs Afghanistan live on Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
NEW ZEALAND
Coach: Gary Stead
Captain: Kane Williamson
- New Zealand captain Kane Williamson returned to international action for the first time in 2023 with an unbeaten 78 against Bangladesh as the Kiwis kept their 100% record intact. He had to retire hurt with what has now been confirmed as a fractured left thumb and will miss a few games, once more.
- Stand-in captain Tom Latham, who led the 2019 runners’ up to back-to-back victories at the start of this tournament in Williamson’s absence, will return to leadership duties. New Zealand have been outstanding in this tournament so far, with an opening match demolition of defending champions England being followed up by comfortable victories against the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
AFGHANISTAN
Coach: Jonathan Trott
Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Afghanistan came into this tournament seeking to be genuinely competitive and eye up a tilt at a top four spot. The Afghans suffered a frustrating setback in defeat to Bangladesh and were then hammered by India but a victory over defending champions, comprehensively so, has reignited the idea that they can challenge.
- Both Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan picked up three-wicket hauls in that match as Afghanistan’s stars really came to the party. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, for the third innings in a row, was key at the top of the order, getting Afghanistan off to a blistering start and they must now capitalise on that win.
THE PREDICTION
Alongside both India and South Africa, New Zealand have been exceptional in the early stages of this tournament but there have been signs of faltering in the last two matches. Struggling to finish with a flourish against the Netherlands combined with a slow start in their chase against Bangladesh will give Afghanistan hope and confidence of making it back-to-back victories; defeating both of 2019’s finalists. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are getting into their work, with Mohammad Nabi able support, and on a turning pitch in Chennai, an Afghan win would appear good value.
BETTING TIP: AFGHANISTAN TO WIN
