Two Super 12 matches of Group 1 will be played on Wednesday in Melbourne. In the second game, the dominating New Zealand will take on fledgling Afghanistan.
New Zealand kickstarted the Super 12 round of the T20 World Cup 2022 with a bang by stunning the hosts and tournament favorites, Australia, in a massive 89-run thrashing, that propelled their NRR to a whopping +4.450 which could come into the equation later on.
Afghanistan batters surrendered to the pace and movement of the England bowlers in the first Super 12 game and were bowled out for 112, but that they took 5 English wickets was their positive from the game. They’d want to make an upset by upsetting the Kiwis.
NZ vs AFG pitch report, date, time
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
NZ vs AFG Pitch report
India and Pakistan played out a thrilling match at the MCG on Sunday, where pacers from both teams thrived on the pace and bounce of the surface and the swing offered by the conditions.
But the likes of Iftikhar and Kohli showed the importance of biding their time amid such hard conditions. Batting is going to be tough against bowlers with skillsets and the brains to use those skills. Expect similar pace-friendly conditions for this game.
Date and Time: October 26, 1.30 PM IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
NZ vs AFG Predicted XIs
If Daryl Mitchell is fit, he might come in for Mark Chapman. Otherwise, New Zealand are settled with their combination. There’s no reason for Kane Williamson to make any change to the line-up that humiliated the Aussies.
New Zealand predicted XI:
Devon Conway (wk), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman/Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Afghanistan may ponder upon replacing Azmatullah Omarzai with the more experienced Naveen-ul-Haq, who surprisingly didn’t start in the last game.
Afghanistan predicted XI:
Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai/Naveen-ul-Haq, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi
NZ vs AFG match prediction: New Zealand to win the match
We are predicting New Zealand to defeat Afghanistan on Wednesday at the MCG. Considering the quality and form of most New Zealand batters, and the strength, variety, and experience in their bowling attack, it is a no-brainer to pick the Kiwis as the favorites for this encounter against Mohammad Nabi’s side.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, knowledge, and instinct of the writer. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
