NZ vs AFG: Afghanistan playing XI vs New Zealand, Match 16, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

Afghanistan will face New Zealand in match No. 16 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Chennai.

Afghanistan were expected to give a difficult time to some of the teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, but they had a poor start to the competition. They started with two consecutive defeats. They lost to Bangladesh and India in a horrible fashion. But then they picked themselves up to create history.

Afghanistan beat defending champions England in Delhi to show that they are not here to just play, but are here to compete. And now, they have another chance to give some hard time to New Zealand at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. That pitch is known for helping the spinners, and Afghanistan have a brilliant spin trio. So let's check out the predicted playing XI for Afghanistan in Chennai.

NZ vs AFG: Afghanistan's Predicted playing XI vs New Zealand

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz :

Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been the best batter for Afghanistan in the last couple of years and has continued his form in this tournament. His 57-balls 80 against England gave his team a flying start that helped them reach a competitive total. Gurbaz has scored 148 runs in three innings and can take on Kiwi bowlers in the power-play, and if he can give a good start, then Afghanistan will be up and running.

2. Ibrahim Zadran :

Just like Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran is another in-form opener for Afghanistan. A lot will depend on how these two go with the business. Zadran takes time to get set and then plays big innings to push the opposition out of the game. His team will like him to do what he does best and give them a good start.

3. Rahmat Shah :

Rahmat Shah has struggled so far in this tournament and has scored only 37 runs in three games. But he can play some big innings that can change the course of the game. He will be expected to take the innings deep if some wickets fall early, but he can also rotate strike in the middle-overs against the spinners, which makes him a versatile batter.

4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) :

Afghanistan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, got important runs against India earlier and scored 80. Being a captain, he is expected to do well and can play a game-changing innings in the middle. His 50 or 60 runs can make a big difference on the low-scoring pitch in Chennai, and that is when he may be dangerous with his experience.

5. Mohammad Nabi :

Mohammad Nabi is the man on whom Afghanistan will rely in both departments. As seen in the game against England, he failed with the bat but, with the ball, picked up two important wickets. Nabi is a match-winner in both departments, and Afghanistan will hope that he can have an impact in Chennai, which can help his team get an edge.

6. Ikram Alikhil (wk) :

Ikram Alikhil played his first game of the tournament against England and played an important inning. He scored 58 off 66 when the wickets were falling from the other end. He helped them reach a competitive total. That innings will help him gain confidence, and he can do well against New Zealand in Chennai.

7. Azmatullah Omarzai :

Azmatullah Omarzai has scored 103 runs in three games and also taken a wicket with the ball. He is a very useful all-rounder who can bat at any position and then bowl some important overs in the middle. He will be hoping to score some runs in the game that can make the difference in the end.

8. Rashid Khan :

Rashid Khan will be the man to watch out for. He showed why he is rated so highly in the last game against England and took 3/37. His spell on the batting pitch changed the game and kicked England out of the game. Rashid can be the game-changer once again in Chennai, and New Zealand should be worried about it.

9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman :

Mujeeb Ur Rahman won the man of the match award against England because of his brilliant spell of 3/51. He dismissed Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Chris Woakes and stopped England from going near the target. New Zealand have an in-form batter at the top, and Mujeeb can surely be a threat for them in Chennai.

10. Naveen-ul-Haq :

Naveen-ul-Haq is another smart bowler in this bowling attack who can be pretty effective with his change-ups and his slower ones on the slow pitch in Chennai. Naveen has done well so far for Afghanistan and hasn't gone for many runs. He can restrict Kiwi batters from scoring runs in the middle, which can put them under pressure.

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi :

Fazalhaq Farooqi was the one who provided the first break-through for Afghanistan against England and troubled the batters with his swing. His left-arm angle makes it difficult for the batters to pick him, and he can swing the ball both ways. He is in form and can bowl a good spell to trouble the batters at the top.