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!

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.