NZ vs AFG | Rashid, Mujeeb & Co. To Bowl First Against In-Form Kiwis In Chennai
An image during NZ vs AFG toss (X.com)
Afghanistan will bowl first against New Zealand on Wednesday (October 18) in Match 16 of the World Cup 2023 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Hashmatullah Shahidi, under whom the team produced a historic victory over England before coming to this fixture, won the coin toss and decided to field first, keeping the dew factor in mind.
Given that Kane Williamson fractured his left thumb while making his comeback against Bangladesh prior to this match, Tom Latham represented New Zealand at the coin toss. Latham will lead the side, while Will Young has returned to the lineup as Williamson’s replacement.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, have not made any changes in their playing XI which enjoyed a scintillating victory against the defending champions in Delhi just a few nights ago.
NZ vs AFG: Captains’ Thoughts
Hashmatullah Shahidi
"We want to bowl first because there might be a dew factor in the second half. The discussion was there, but we also looked at the opposition team and their strengths. We will look to restrict them to a low score. We had the celebration for that night, but now it's gone. With the confidence we can take into this game, we are going with the same team."
Tom Latham
"Either way, I wasn’t sure what to do. Looks like a good surface. Batting first will be good for us, and hopefully, we can put up a big total on the board. Will Young comes in for Williamson; fingers are crossed for the remainder of the tournament. Adapting to every ground, every team, and every surface is important. Not a hundred percent sure; it might be slightly better than the last game."
NZ vs AFG: Playing XIs
New Zealand 11 vs Afghanistan
Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(c/wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult
Afghanistan 11 vs New Zealand
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil(wk), Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
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