Today (June 17) at the T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand will play Papua New Guinea in Trinidad, and the West Indies will host Afghanistan in Saint Lucia – here are the predicted XIs, team news, and today’s T20 World Cup match live score for NZ vs PNG and WI vs AFG.
NZ vs PNG, live score: Follow the live scorecard here
WI vs AFG, live score: Follow the live scorecard here
NZ vs PNG, WI vs AFG: Toss updates
NZ vs PNG: The toss will take place at 10:00 am local time.
WI vs AFG: The toss will take place at 8:00 pm local time.
NZ vs PNG, WI vs AFG: Today’s World Cup match team news
With the Super Eights teams already decided, the group stage will come to a closure after the final two fixtures on Monday.
New Zealand and Papua New Guinea news
The 'Blackcaps' had an indifferent campaign this time as they failed to make it through to the second round for the first time with only a win to their name so far from three matches. Trent Boult, one of New Zealand’s finest, will close the curtains on his T20 World Cup career following this match, and several other veterans, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee, will probably grace the event for one last time as well.
Papua New Guinea, meanwhile, gave West Indies a scare in their first match, indicating what they could have in store if they get to play Full Members regularly. They will probably field an unchanged eleven. All eyes will be on Alei Nao, who had an excellent outing so far, picking up the most wickets (4) for his side at an average of 12.75 while going at only 5.10 per over.
West Indies and Afghanistan news
Both sides are already into the Super Eights, and this match provides them with a rehearsal ahead of the next round. With both the sides winning three out of three, it remains to be seen which side loses their unbeaten streak.
Shai Hope may get a look-in instead of Johnson Charles at the top. Barring that, the rest of the West Indies team will likely stay the same.
The prolific opening duo of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have carried their Afghanistan’s batting. The spin attack has always been their strength, but this year, left-arm pacer Fazahaq Farooqi levelled up to galvanise their bowling. Farooqi is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament (12), while Gurbaz has the most runs (167). Expect them to not tinker with their winning combination.
NZ vs PNG, WI vs AFG: Today’s World Cup match predicted playing XIs
New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Kane Williamson (c), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson
Papua New Guinea: Assad Vala (c), Tony Ura, Sese Bau, Lega Siaka, Hiri Hiri, Kiplin Doriga (wk), Chad Soper, Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, John Kariko, Semo Kamea
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Rovman Powell (c), Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Last day’s results
Pakistan vs Ireland – Pakistan won by 3 wickets with 7 balls to spare
Bangladesh vs Nepal (Match 37) - Bangladesh won by 21 runs
Sri Lanka vs Netherlands (Match 38) – Sri Lanka won by 83 runs
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Upcoming matches
Super Eight (Match 41), USA vs South Africa – 10:30 am local time (Antigua)
Super Eight (Match 42), England vs West Indies – 8:30 pm local time (St. Lucia)
NZ vs PNG, WI vs AFG: Prediction for today’s T20 World Cup match
New Zealand are favourites against PNG to finish on high, while the final group-stage game between West Indies and Afghanistan is expected to be a cliffhanger.
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