T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand Vs Afghanistan - Predicted Lineups And Key Insights

New Zealand will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday, June 8, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. The Black Caps are placed in Group C alongside Afghanistan, Uganda, West Indies, and Papua New Guinea. Afghanistan has already started their campaign with a commanding win over Uganda.

New Zealand's record in ICC tournaments is promising, but they have yet to secure a title. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is optimistic about their chances against the Kiwis. Rashid Khan and his team have been playing impressive cricket and are expected to provide stiff competition.

Afghanistan achieved a significant victory over Uganda in their first match, winning by 125 runs. This win has considerably improved their Net Run Rate. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the standout bowler with five wickets, while Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored an impressive 76 runs. Both players are expected to feature in the match against New Zealand. Noor Ahmad might replace Mujeeb in the lineup as the only change.

For New Zealand, Kane Williamson will aim to find a balanced squad. The team has not played together much recently and will need to develop cohesion quickly. The pitch in Guyana appears favourable for spin, suggesting that New Zealand might field two spinners. Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson are likely to lead the pace attack, while Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra could serve as the sixth bowler. Devon Conway's fitness remains uncertain, and it is unclear if he will start the match.

NZ Probable XI: Rachin Ravindra, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (c), Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, Tim Southee

AFG Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi