New Zealand vs Afghanistan: Score, prediction and statistics.

New Zealand and Afghanistan will take on each other in their final contest of Group 2 in the T20 World Cup 2021.

Right. That will be that from us for this game. The action doesn’t stop though as Pakistan gear up to clash with Scotland at Sharjah. Head over to our coverage to find out what the Group 2 table toppers have in store tonight! Till then, this is me signing off. Goodbye, stay safe!

[caption id=”attachment_224929″ align=”alignnone” width=”2560″] ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 07: Both teams appreciating a keenly contested game[/caption]

Today’s performance by the Kiwis was of the highest order. They bowled expertly and restricted the Afghans to a paltry total before the batters got stuck into the run-chase and crafted it superbly. Along the way, there were a few hiccups (like always) but those weren’t enough to cause furrowed brows in the Kiwi camp. The most heartening bit for New Zealand, though, would be how their pacers pulled things back today. Usually, their spinners have done the job but today provides ample evidence that the Kiwis can tackle whatever England have to throw at them come the semi-finals.

For Afghanistan, this was another game where their inexperience told. They were too gung-ho at the start and lost more wickets than what was desirable. They then laboured through the middle overs and struggled at the death. Bowling wise, the decision to hold Rashid Khan stuck out, considering the instant impact he made. Mujeeb also showed a bit of ring-rust and that, coupled with the middling total on the board, meant that they were never really in the contest for long enough.

From India’s perspective, this is the result that billions of fans dreaded. Yet, the fact that they were depending on Afghanistan to rock the Kiwi apple cart suggests that something went terribly wrong at the start. As things stand, the defeat to New Zealand has been the difference between a semi-final appearance and another underwhelming campaign.

Over 18.1: New Zealand 125-2 – NZ qualify; Afghanistan, India dumped out

New Zealand complete their run-chase at a canter and qualify for the semi-finals. In the process, they have dumped Afghanistan and India out of the T20 World Cup. And, based on how the Kiwis have played in the Super 12, it has been richly deserved!

Over 17: New Zealand 118-2 – Afghanistan and India on the brink

New Zealand are now coasting to victory. They have crafted their run-chase beautifully and are reaping the rewards for the hard yards they put in with the ball, in the field and through the middle overs. Only 7 runs required off the final three overs! 

Over 16: New Zealand 108-2 – Williamson methodically picking Afghanistan apart

At one point, Williamson was batting on 13 off 23 balls. At the time, there would have been plenty of raised eyebrows. The skipper, however, has been clear in his approach from the start. He has seen off the tougher match-ups and is cashing in as Afghanistan are going searching for wickets. Top effort!

Over 15: New Zealand 101-2 – Conway living on dangerously

Conway has been batting on the edge for the past couple of overs. In this Rashid over alone, he had a couple of miscued sweep shots. New Zealand, though, would not mind. They’ve seen off Rashid’s spell and only a miracle can save the Afghans (and the Indians) now! 24 needed off 30 balls!

Update: Rashid Khan into the attack for his final over. If Afghanistan are to make a contest of this, he needs to pick up a wicket or two here!

Over 14: New Zealand 91-2 – Conway breaks the shackles

The pressure had been gradually building, especially on Conway. He, though, takes matters into his own hands and breaks the shackles. The Kiwis now require less than run-a-ball and the pressure that Afghanistan had put NZ under, has been released in a trice. The Black Caps’ game to lose from here!

Over 12: New Zealand 70-2 – Game finely poised

Afghanistan have only gotten a couple of wickets but their spinners have done brilliantly to squeeze the Kiwis. Williamson did get a boundary away in the 12th over though and it could be a sign that he intends to be more proactive. In my opinion, Williamson has played the chase perfectly up till this point.

Oh my! It seems that the third ball off the 11th over actually had a nick. Afghanistan felt that Conway played and missed. Apparently not. How crucial will this misstep be?

Over 10: New Zealand 61-2 – Afghanistan applying the brakes

The Afghans have done very well to curb the run-flow and have applied the brakes after Guptill’s dismissal. The Kiwis still seem in control of the run-chase but a couple of wickets could sway their fortunes significantly. Drinks time!

Over 8.5: New Zealand 57-2 – Rashid scalps Guptill; Afghanistan dream again

Just when it seemed that the Kiwis had things under control, Guptill has risked throwing it away with an ugly swipe across the line. The required run rate is back at run-a-ball and it will be hard for the new batter to get accustomed to Afghanistan’s plethora of spinners quickly. All on Williamson now. This, by the way, was also Rashid’s 400th T20 wicket. He is only the fourth bowler to do so after Dwayne Bravo, Imran Tahir and Sunil Narine!

Over 7: New Zealand 50-1 – Kiwis negotiate Rashid’s first over

There wasn’t a lot happening for Rashid and it seemed that both batters were picking the googly from the hand. Williamson, remember, would have faced Rashid countless times in the SRH nets and perhaps holds the key to this run-chase as well!

Update: Right. Rashid Khan is into the attack now. This here could be the game. If Rashid can trigger an almighty collapse, Afghanistan might just have a bit of hope. If he can’t, it seems this game is headed only one way.

Over 6: New Zealand 45-1 – Guptill breaks free

While Williamson has been content to knock the singles and doubles, it seems that Guptill has decided to take the attack to Afghanistan. A brace of boundaries means that the Kiwis are rattling along again. The required run rate is well below 6 runs per over now.

Over 5: New Zealand 36-1 – Kiwis keep things ticking

The Black Caps have mellowed down since Mitchell’s departure. However, they’ve not retreated into their shell. They have kept pushing for ones and twos and have complemented it with the odd boundary. Run-chases like these are usually up Williamson’s alley. Since the start of 2020, he averages 62.45 when batting second.

Over 3.1: New Zealand 26-1 – Mujeeb strikes

Mujeeb gets the breakthrough the whole of Afghanistan and India had been craving. This should cause a few butterflies in the New Zealand camp. In an ideal world, you feel the Afghans would want to see the back of Williamson as early as possible too!

Over 3: New Zealand 26-0 – Kiwis on the attack

Both Guptill and Mitchell have telegraphed their intentions early. They want to get stuck into this total and want to finish it off as quickly as possible. In contrast to Afghanistan, they have relied on proper cricketing strokes and that, at the moment, is the difference between the two sides.

Over 2: New Zealand 15-0 – Wayward start for Mujeeb

A lot of Afghanistan’s hopes (and India’s) rely on Mujeeb’s wickets in the Power Play. In his first over though, he bowled with too much width and was picked off. Certainly not the start Afghanistan and Mujeeb would have wanted. Mitchell was also quite proactive.

Over 1: New Zealand 7-0 – Decent start for the Kiwis

There wasn’t a lot of spin on offer for Nabi. The ball curved away from the batters a little but nothing alarming to suggest that the openers are in for a tough time. Mitchell might have enjoyed the boundary off the last ball too!

Guptill and Mitchell stride out to the centre to open the batting. Nabi will start off proceedings with the ball! 125 runs to get for the Kiwis, 10 wickets to win for Afghanistan! Here we go!

Afghanistan got off to the worst possible start and lost three wickets in the Power Play itself. They tried to consolidate thereafter but lacked the sort of intent to put New Zealand under pressure. However, when Najib found his feet, he began clawing Afghanistan back into the game. The wickets around him and an uncharacteristically sluggish Nabi knock didn’t deter him as the left-handed batter raced away to his highest T20I score.

New Zealand’s spinners, for a change, struggled through the middle overs. Najib, in particular, was quite severe on Santner. However, with the incredible balance the Kiwis boast, there were able to offset it. Neesham chipped in with a superb spell and capped off an excellent performance with an equally exceptional final over.

At the half way stage, you feel that Afghanistan are a few runs short. The wicket has held up a touch but hasn’t been very conducive to spin bowling. Fast bowlers have extracted some help but remember, the Afghans rely on their spinners to hustle the opposition. Right now, it seems Afghanistan need to bowl out of their skins to make a fist of this game. New Zealand, meanwhile, would hope that they can knock this 125-run target off with the minimal of fuss. 

Do join us in a bit for the run-chase!

Over 20: Afghanistan 124-8 – Neesham sticks to his guns

Throughout the over, Neesham seemed intent to stick to his yorker outside off stump. And, he passed that test with flying colours. To cap off a sensational over, he snapped up Rashid on the final ball too! An apt ending to what has been a professional display so far!

Update: 19.1 – Oh my! Mitchell has pulled off something special on the deep mid wicket fence. He leaps high into the air, sees that he is diving beyond the ropes and then flicks the ball back into play. Saves four runs in the process! Wow! Simply wow!

Over 18.4: Afghanistan 121-7 – Boult has two in the over

Boult is running rampant now and is dismissing each specialist batter placed in front of him. With Karim Janat also back in the shed, Rashid has to shoulder the batting responsibility and ensure that the Afghans get to 130, at the very least.

Over 18.2: Afghanistan 119-6 – Najib spectacularly caught by Neesham

Just as Najib was looking to make the most of the death overs, Neesham flies like Superman at long off and sends him packing. I can’t state how enormous this wicket is, considering the way Najib was batting and how influential he could’ve been in the balls that remain.

Over 18: Afghanistan 115-5 – Southee gets Nabi

Nabi can be very dangerous at the death so this is a huge wicket for the Kiwis. Najib, though, is continuing on his merry way and almost battered Southee into submission, courtesy a four and a six. Afghanistan’s hopes now depend on how Najib fares in the last two overs.

New Zealand, by the way, concede runs at just about 8.5 runs per over at the death. This is the best for any team at this year’s T20 World Cup.

Over 17: Afghanistan 101-4 – Tidy over by Boult

Trent Boult has gone at more than 9 runs per over at the death in T20 cricket since 2020. Today, though, he seems to have the bit between his teeth. He only conceded 5 runs in the 17th over and Afghanistan are now under pressure to make things happen in the next few balls. Something could be about to give!

Over 16: Afghanistan 96-4 – Afghanistan need a massive finish

Afghanistan have gotten themselves into a decent position. But if they are to compete properly, they need a strong flourish at the end. Nabi and Najib have timed the ball fairly well in the past couple of overs. It would be interesting to see how they match up against the Kiwi bowlers.

Update: Najib reaches his 6th fifty in T20Is. This is also his second half-century at the 2021 T20 World Cup! Afghanistan are 91-4 after the end of the 15th over and are eyeing a strong finish!

[caption id=”attachment_224859″ align=”alignnone” width=”2560″] ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – NOVEMBER 07: Najibullah Zadran (L) has single-handedly kept Afghanistan in the hunt[/caption]

Over 14: Afghanistan 87-4 Najib rattling along nicely

Before the 14th over, Afghanistan were in danger of getting stuck in the quicksand. Now, Najib has single-handedly ensured that they are in a good position to launch an assault. If Nabi finds his groove (which he usually does at the death; SR of 170 since 2020), the Kiwis might be put under severe pressure.

Nabi is going along quite sluggishly at present. However, if his numbers since the start of 2020 are taken into account, this is perhaps the continuation of a trend. In the mentioned phase, he has only struck at around 122 in the middle overs. Today, he is scoring at a SR of 60.

Over 12: Afghanistan 66-4 – Afghanistan stalling

Just before Naib’s wicket, Afghanistan were generating a bit of momentum. Now, you feel that they want to stretch the game as deep as possible before taking any risks. In my opinion, it might be a good ploy for a bit. But if the Afghans are to really challenge the Kiwis, they need at least 140 on the board. That, at the moment, is quite far away!

Update: Mohammad Nabi joins Najib in the middle. Can the captain produce something special? Well, Afghanistan need something spectacular to get out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves!

Over 10: Afghanistan 56-4 – Naib departs

Naib has looked scratchy against spin and he finally departs. A bit of an agricultural stroke in truth but you could feel the pressure building on Naib. Massive wicket for the Kiwis, considering they are now into the Afghan lower middle order!

Over 9: Afghanistan 48-3 – Najib in full flow

Najib has been something of a middle overs enforcer for Afghanistan lately. Today, he has embraced that role wonderfully and has injected some much-needed momentum into Afghanistan’s innings. Can this be the catalyst for a special batting performance?

Over 8: Afghanistan 36-3 – Good over for Afghanistan

Najib look a liking to Santner and dispatched him for a boundary. It seems that Najib might want to attack the spinners (he strikes at around 128 against spin), with Naib playing the anchor role. After a point, though, even Naib will have to increase the tempo (despite his strike rate of around 111 against spin.

Update: James Neesham has been introduced into the attack – perhaps to bowl into the track and exploit the two-paced nature of the surface.

Over 6: Afghanistan 23-3 – Brilliant Power Play for New Zealand

New Zealand have achieved everything they would’ve wanted from the Power Play. They have accounted for four batters and have only conceded 23 runs in the process. Remember, the Kiwis’ strength has been their spin bowling so far. Things aren’t going to get easier for Afghanistan.

Over 5.1: Afghanistan 19-3 – Southee has one now

After setting up the batters with back of a length deliveries, Southee goes full and traps Gurbaz plumb in front. Afghanistan have gone too hard too early and are now staring down the barrel. A billion people elsewhere are also engaging in collective moans and groans at the moment!

Over 5: Afghanistan 19-2 – Kiwis turning the screw

The Kiwis haven’t given their lengths away and are not allowing the Afghans to get away. Gurbaz and Naib are trying a few shots, mind you. But those haven’t borne fruit so far. You get the feeling that Afghanistan are perhaps trying a little too hard at the moment and not watching the ball very well.

Since Asghar Afghan’s retirement. Gulbadin Naib has been asked to bat at No.4. However, it isn’t something he is used to. Before today, he had batted just over 60 balls in the Power Play throughout his T20 career.

Over 3.1: Afghanistan 12-2 – Zazai bites the dust

Another back of a length delivery. Another dismissal. That has been the story so far. A few balls are sticking in the surface and it forced Zazai to get a tame leading edge towards short mid wicket. Afghanistan under strife now and both their big hitters at the top are now back in the pavilion. Can Afghanistan recover?

Over 3: Afghanistan 12-1 – Kiwis building pressure

After the first over, the Kiwi pacers have not ventured into the full length area. Instead, they’ve bowled hard lengths and have not given the batters any room. It has already led to a wicket and on early evidence, seems the way forward too.

Over 2.2: Afghanistan 8-1 – Milne gets Shahzad

Shahzad looked inclined to attack today but has only managed to unfurl an agricultural hoick that results in a caught behind. Afghanistan are in early trouble and a lot rests on Zazai now.

Over 1: Afghanistan 6-0 – Early intent from Shahzad

Shahzad began the over in imperious fashion and though he wasn’t able to get away more boundaries, he seemed intent on attacking. He usually strikes at around 141 during the field restrictions.

Hazratullah Zazai and Mohammad Shahzad will open the batting for Afghanistan. Tim Southee will start off proceedings with the ball!

Both teams have walked out for their respective national anthems. Afghanistan have a lot of supporters at Abu Dhabi, by the way! We are moments away from the start now!

It will be interesting to see how both teams handle the pressure. New Zealand have been here a lot of times and have developed a reputation for holding their nerve. Afghanistan, on the other hand, might start feeling the pinch if a couple of wickets fall early. Remember, the way this game has been painted, the Afghans aren’t just playing for themselves but for India too!

Afghanistan and New Zealand have never faced each other in a T20I before. They have met twice in ODIs though – in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, with the Kiwis emerging victorious on both occasions. Williamson, though, will know a lot about the Afghan spinners, having played alongside Mujeeb, Nabi and Rashid in the recently concluded IPL.

Afghanistan win the toss and bat first; Mujeeb returns

Afghanistan revert to their tried and tested method of batting first. They have done so very successfully this tournament, with both of their victories coming that way. Batting first has been the way to go recently too so it seems it is a good toss to win. Moreover, this is a used pitch – something that could come into the equation as the match progresses.

Afghanistan XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Mohammad Nabi(C), Rashid Khan, Hamid Hasan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

New Zealand XI: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (C), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult

What to expect at Abu Dhabi?

Both teams have endured contrasting fortunes lately. While the Afghans were thumped by India, the Kiwis notched up a convincing victory against Namibia. As far as Abu Dhabi is concerned, the venue has seen three of the four highest team totals at the tournament. However, Abu Dhabi has also witnessed the lowest batting average in the Power Play of all three UAE venues. The toss has not played as big a part here. In the past six games at the ground, the team winning the toss has only won thrice. Interestingly enough, the side chasing has only won twice in this phase.

New Zealand’s fate in their own hands

Right. It has boiled down to this. A virtual quarter-final between two teams where one team can seal a semi-final berth. The other, by the way, can inch closer to the final four. Yet, it is also an encounter that will be watched keenly by a billion Indian fans because if the Kiwis slip up, the Men In Blue suddenly become favourites to qualify. That, though, should ideally not cross New Zealand’s minds, considering they’ve seen such scenarios before (not causing India heartbreak but pressure situations in general). But it also isn’t something that will not cross their minds, especially if push comes to shove.

For Afghanistan, the brief is slightly more complicated. They need to win first. Then, they need to hope that their margin for victory is big enough to offset anything India produce tomorrow. However, with the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan in their ranks, they might fancy their chances. They can also probably call upon Mujeeb Ur Rahman. And, if Afghanistan can reunite their spin triumvirate, the Kiwis might have a tough task on their hands.

T20 World Cup 2021, New Zealand v Afghanistan – Preview

Date: November 7, 2021
Time: 2 pm
Venue: Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi

The match is a pivotal one, and not just for the two teams involved. For New Zealand, the equation is simple: Win, and they are in the semis. For Afghanistan, a big victory is needed, or else India will be through with a win over Namibia.

New Zealand: Injury updates and squad news

Injury updates: Adam Milne has slotted in capably after an injury to fellow speedster Lockie Ferguson. Legspinner Ish Sodhi was a doubt after copping a horror blow to the head while bowling against Namibia, but he has been cleared to play.

Predicted XI: Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult.

Team updates and Squad news for New Zealand: NZ Squad

Afghanistan: Injury updates and squad news

Injury updates: Asghar Afghan’s mid-tournament retirement has necessitated a reshuffle. Sharafuddin Ashraf, a left-arm spinner has come into the XI, but struggled with the new ball against India. Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been out with injury since the Pakistan defeat, but if fit will come into the XI.

Predicted XI: Hazratullah Zazai, Mohammad Shahzad (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gulbadin Naib, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi (c), Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Hamid Hassan.

Team updates and Squad news for Afghanistan: Afg Squad

T20 World Cup 2021, New Zealand v Afghanistan: Where to watch live

India: Star Sports Network: Star Sports 1 (and HD), Star Sports 2 (and HD), Star Sports 1 Hindi (and HD), Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu and Star Sports 1 Kannada

UK & Ireland: Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Mix; Sky Sports app, www.skysports.com

New Zealand: Sky Sports 3

Afghanistan: RTA Sports & Ariana TV

The complete list of broadcast (TV and live streaming) options for the tournament can be found here.