New Delhi. Afghanistan is clashing with New Zealand in the 16th match of the World Cup 2023. This match is being played in Chennai. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and decided to bowl first. Shahidi said that we want to bowl first. The reason for this is that there may be effect of dew in the evening. We also take into account the strength of the opposition team. Our effort will be to get New Zealand out quickly. There is no change in our team.

For New Zealand, Will Young and Devon Conway started the innings while the first over was bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Rahmat Shah dropped the catch of Will Young in the second over. Devon Conway is out.

After defeating defending champions England in the last match, Afghanistan will be eyeing defeating the last World Cup runners-up, New Zealand. At the same time, the Kiwi team would like to register its fourth consecutive win in the World Cup and top the points table.

The wicket of Chennai is suitable for spin bowlers. In such a situation, the spin trio of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi can give a tough test to the New Zealand batsmen. These three bowlers had bowled brilliantly against England in the last match and played an important role in Afghanistan’s victory.

On the other hand, New Zealand has less problems. The Kiwi team will compete against Afghanistan after winning five consecutive matches. New Zealand’s top order has played in all three matches of the World Cup. Kane Williamson getting injured again is definitely going to increase the concern of the Kiwi team. However, in the absence of Williamson, Tom Latham captained well in the first two matches.

Afghanistan’s playing-11: Rahmanullah Gurzab, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Azmatullah Umarzai, Ikram Ali Khil, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Naveen Ul Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqui.

New Zealand’s playing-11: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.