Afghanistan, with the wind behind their sails after beating England comprehensively two days in the past, will look to construct on solely its second World Cup win when it takes on New Zealand on the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.
More than the outcome, what was spectacular about Afghanistan’s 69-run win in Delhi on Sunday was the way it outplayed the defending champion and at all times had its nostril forward all through the match.
Right from Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brutal onslaught on the high of the order – as he and Ibrahim Zadran added a 114-run opening stand – Afghanistan got here out all weapons blazing earlier than their spinners spun an internet across the English batters.
After being bundled out cheaply in its first match in opposition to Bangladesh, Afghanistan batters had rather more disciplined performances within the two video games in opposition to India and England, albeit on probably the most batting-friendly pitches seen to date within the match.
It was one thing its skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi had even stated on the eve of the match when he remarked, “I believe in this World Cup we will give a statement about the batting that we can be very good.”
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At the identical time, the crew may also remember that it left runs on the desk within the final two matches because it misplaced wickets in a cluster through the center section of the sport. Ahead of the match in opposition to the Kiwis, the Afghan skipper cited it as an space the crew must work on. If it might probably put the runs on board, the crew has a very good depth in bowling to bother most groups on their day.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, as soon as once more with out skipper Kane Williamson, will look to proceed its march and preserve its unbeaten document. The crew has gone about its enterprise in its inimitable model, with nearly each participant delivering to date of their well-defined roles. The key to the Black Caps’ three wins has been the flexibility to take wickets by the center section, with the likes of Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson delivering the products.
While the Tom Latham-led aspect can be cautious of the spin risk of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi, the Kiwis will nonetheless really feel it holds the sting, having been within the metropolis for the final week and having a very good learn of the situations.
Source web site: sportstar.thehindu.com
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