World Cup 2023, Match 16 | New Zealand Predicted XI vs Afghanistan
Daryl Mitchell is yet to fire big for New Zealand in World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
The 2023 World Cup is in full swing with matches overloading regularly. Contest no. 16 of the blockbuster event will see New Zealand square off against Afghanistan at the M. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The match is set to begin on October 18 from 2:00 PM IST.
The Afghanistan side created history by shellshocking the defending champions, England by 69 runs in their previous game. This also meant their first points in the competition after drubbings against Bangladesh and India. Curretntly, they are positioned sixth in the league standings with two points from three matches.
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On the other hand, Black Caps have been ever so dominant so far in the bonanza event. New Zealand have won all three of their games and stand at the second position in the league table. Their latest win came against Bangladesh where Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell orchestrated a comprehensive chase. However, the Kiwis incurred a massive blow as their regular skipper, Williamson fractured his finger during their previous encounter.
So, how will the New Zealand line-up sound? Let us have a quick glance at it.
Openers: Will Young and Devon Conway
New Zealand will bring back Will Young back in the XI as skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the next few matches due to a thumb fracture. Young was instrumental in their second game against Netherlands and also displayed gritty knocks against Bangladesh ahead of the World Cup.
Young will be partnered by Devon Conway who registered a ton on Day 1 of the coveted mega-event. Conway is an elegant top order batter and has the experience of rubbing shoulders in the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. He has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings set-up in the Indian Premier League and will be a key element in the Black Caps camp.
Middle Order: Rachin Ravindra , Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Mark Chapman
Rachin Ravindra lit the World Cup on fire by becoming one-half of the twin centurions in the curtain raiser against England. He's a brilliant asset to this New Zealand team and shall come handy with the ball as well. The conditions should soothe his style of play.
Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham, two experienced and reliable blokes are going to take care of things in the middle order. The former has been in thick of runs while the latter will be leading the side in the absence of Williamson. They shall be followed by Mark Chapman who has good numbers in Asian conditions and is a steady player of both pace and spin.
All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, and Mitch Santner
Glenn Phillips the all-rounder may come into play against Afghanistan in Chennai. The South Africa-bred cricketer is a brilliant stroke-maker with the bat and Latham has the knack of utilising him with some finger sling during the middle overs.
Mitchell Santner will be the primary all-rounder for New Zealand. He is a gem of a bowler and another such player who is well aware of the conditions of Chepauk. Santner the bowler may come more into play than Santner the batter tomorrow.
Bowlers: Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry and Trent Boult
The Kiwi management may include Ish Sodhi in the playing XI for the upcoming battle on queue. The wrist spinner should come into play in conditions of Chepauk that favours the turners. Barring Sodhi, Trent Boult and Matt Henry should be the go-to option in the pace attack. Tim Southee is very near to make a comeback while Lockie Ferguson was stellar with the ball. But New Zealand may back the recent proven performers who shall operate with the new hard ball.
New Zealand Predicted XI vs Afghanistan
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (c/wk), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Santner, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Trent Boult.
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