The 21st game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 will witness a clash between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). New Zealand is coming off a massive victory from their previous game against defending champions Australia and will look to continue the excellent form and bag two more points.

On the other side, Afghanistan was defeated in the opening game against England. Their batting squad struggled, as English bowlers limited them to 112 runs in the first innings. 

Afghanistan will rely on their bowlers once more as they prepare to take on the Kiwis in the T20 World Cup. While New Zealand batsmen have always been outstanding speed bowlers, the Afghan spinners will give the most challenging task.

When it comes to batting against spin, the Kiwis don’t have the finest record. It’s only been a week since South Africa swept them out for 98 in a warm-up match, with their spin combo of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi picking up five wickets while bowling at 5.50 runs per over. As a result, New Zealand must exercise extreme caution while dealing with Afghanistan’s spin three of Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

The Afghan spin trio took three wickets against England while keeping a collective economy rate of 5.00. That’s a terrific achievement when defending a low total, and they’ll be hoping to replicate it against the Kiwis.

Match Details

When – October 26, 1:30 PM IST

Where – Melbourne Cricket Ground

Probable Playing XIs for NZ vs AFG

New Zealand:

Devon Conway(w), Finn Allen, Kane Williamson(c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult

Afghanistan:

Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Usman Ghani, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik

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