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New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup Tips - Spin trial awaits the high-flying Kiwis

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

16 Oct 2023

Siddhu Bharadwaj 16 Oct 2023

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New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup predictions to be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday afternoon, Indian time
New Zealand posted the highest first 15 overs score in 2 of their 3 World Cup matches
Afghanistan have conceded 6.33 runs per over in their first 10 overs this World Cup

Strong pace bowling gives New Zealand an edge in the first 15 overs. (Getty Images)

New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup

After creating the biggest upset of this World Cup, Afghanistan will look to upset the applecart of New Zealand. This match #16 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday, October 16.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup
Head to Head
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
Afghanistan Form
Afghanistan Team News

New Zealand are setting the trend for every other team in this tournament, but this could be a tricky game. The conditions in Chennai could suit Afghanistan, who are on a high after their last game. Yet, I am stopping short of backing another upset here. Instead, I am putting money on the Kiwis scoring the most in the first 15 overs purely because they have a very good bowling unit that utilizes the powerplay.

New Zealand have posted the highest 15 overs score in 2 of their last 3 matches (ODIs)
New Zealand have conceded just 4.40 runs per over in the first 10 overs of this World Cup (ODIs)
Afghanistan have conceded 6.33 runs per over in the first 10 overs of this World Cup (ODIs)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been Afghanistan’s top batter in 5 of their last 10 matches (ODIs)

Head to Head

There have been only two ODIs played between New Zealand and Afghanistan, both coming in the World Cups. The Kiwis have won both these matches.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand are 2nd in the points tally with six points and a positive 1.604 run rate. They won against England by nine wickets, against the Netherlands by 99 runs, and against Bangladesh by eight wickets.

Opener Devon Conway has been New Zealand’s best batter in this series with 229 runs, while Rachin Ravindra (183) has been playing a supporting role to perfection. With the ball, New Zealand have been led by Mitch Santner and Matt Henry with eight wickets each.

The Kiwis have a tough schedule coming up next with India, Australia, South Africa and Pakistan up next. That leaves this match without any scope for error.

New Zealand Team News

New Zealand are without Kane Williamson for this match after the Kiwi captain was injured once again in their last match. Tom Blundell is drafted in as a replacement, but it could be Will Young coming back into the XI.

Afghanistan Form

Afghanistan have two points from three matches and are 6th in the table with three other teams on the same points. They have bounced back with a 69-run win over England after losing by six wickets to Bangladesh and by eight wickets to India.

The Afghans have piggybacked on the batting heroics of Rahmanullah Gurbaz who has 148 runs in the series. Thankfully for them, talismanic spinner Rashid Khan bounced back and now has five wickets in the tournament.

The Chennai leg could determine where Afghanistan will finish in the tournament, as they play New Zealand and Pakistan in the space of five days.

Afghanistan Team News

Afghanistan may not find a reason to change the winning combination and go with the same team.

New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup FAQs

Where can I watch the New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup live stream.

What time does New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup start?

This New Zealand vs Afghanistan ODI World Cup will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 18, Wednesday starting at 2:00 pm IST.

Verdict

Afghanistan threw the tournament wide open with their stunning win over England. It remains to be seen if lightning strikes twice as they play New Zealand in conditions that favour their spinners. I am stopping short of backing another upset here, and instead backing the Kiwis to post the highest score in the first 15 overs.