CSK Star Rachin Ravindra Out; NZ's Probable XI For T20 World Cup Match vs AFG

Conway will likely be preferred over Ravindra [X]Conway will likely be preferred over Ravindra [X]

On Saturday, New Zealand will kickstart their T20 World Cup campaign with a much-anticipated encounter against Afghanistan at Providence Stadium in Guyana. Led by Kane Williamson, New Zealand have a robust squad and are expected to dominate the Afghans in this fixture. 


NZ's Probable XI For T20 World Cup Match vs AFG

Talking about New Zealand's potential line-up for this match, destructive batter Finn Allen will likely open the batting alongside one between Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. 

Although both Conway and Ravindra have sustained a prolonged rough patch, the former is the front-runner to make it into the playing XI due to his experience. 

Also, New Zealand prefer Conway ahead of Allen for the keeping duties. So, in all likelihood, the stylish southpaw will be slotted at the top order. 

Skipper Kane Williamson will bat at his preferred number three position for the BlackCaps, while Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips will follow him in the middle order. 

There could be a toss-up between Jimmy Neesham and Mark Chapman for the finisher's role. However, Neesham could emerge as the winner in this mini-battle, owing to his all-round abilities. 

Experienced cricketer Mitchell Santner will play as New Zealand's premier all-rounder at number seven, followed by the lethal bowling duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult. 

With the veteran pacers shouldering the new-ball bowling duties, the Kiwis will likely draft Lockie Ferguson in as their death-overs specialist ahead of Matt Henry. Also, given the spin-friendly conditions in Guyana, Ish Sodhi's place in the side shouldn't be questioned. 


NZ's probable playing XI vs AFG

Devon Conway (WK), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (C), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson