Match Preview: New Zealand vs Afghanistan, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 16th Match

In what promises to be a thrilling encounter, Afghanistan, having recently stunned the 2019 World Cup champions, England, is set to face off against the formidable New Zealand squad. With Afghanistan having found their groove and New Zealand maintaining an impeccable record in the current tournament, fans are eagerly anticipating this contest. The passion of the Delhi crowd, the prowess of key players, and the dynamics of the Chennai pitch set the stage for an epic showdown in the 16th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Venue Insights

The iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai eagerly awaits the teams; its pitch has historically favoured the artistry of spinners. As matches progress, this surface subtly morphs, becoming a friendlier battleground for batsmen. An earlier contest featuring Bangladesh and New Zealand here ended with restrained numbers on the scoreboard. Furthermore, the pitch’s inherent slower character not only plays into the hands of spin bowlers but also challenges batsmen to adapt and recalibrate their strategies.

Form Guide - New Zealand

The Kiwis are surging forward with unmatched momentum, celebrating five consecutive victories. Their top order, seemingly unstoppable, has been the cornerstone of their success. With every match, they have exhibited dominance, sending a clear message about their robust form and readiness. This message resonates even louder considering their flawless record in this tournament, notching up three victories in as many games.

Form Guide - Afghanistan

While Afghanistan's resounding victory against the defending titans, England, is commendable, their overall World Cup trajectory has been a blend of highs and lows, encapsulated by their two wins. Their game plan appears to hinge heavily on their top three batsmen, creating a vulnerability. The middle order has, unfortunately, lagged, evident from their struggles and statistically proven with an average that's lacking amongst all Full Member nations. This stat is a glaring indicator they'd wish to address.

Players to Watch

Mitchell Santner, not just a player but a sensation in this tournament, holds the crown of the joint-leading wicket-taker, representing New Zealand with unmatched zeal. On the other side, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, revelling in a phenomenal game against England, is Afghanistan’s beacon. Both these cricketing maestros have already etched memorable performances and are expected to be the linchpins for their respective teams. Santner, with his past engagements with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, might find the familiar setting an added advantage.

Team Composition