T20 World Cup 2024: New Zealand strongest predicted playing XI against Afghanistan, Match 14

New Zealand will take on Afghanistan in Match 14 of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana on June 8 morning (India time). Afghanistan are coming off a comprehensive victory against Uganda in their first game. They thwarted them by 125 runs and have bolstered their Net Run Rate with the margin of the win. 

On the other hand, New Zealand will play their first game on Friday. It is worth noting that the Kiwis have not won any ICC silverware in white-ball since 2000. The side will be looking to make it big at the marquee event starting with a win against the batting-heavy Afghans. Kane Williamson will lead the team, and Devon Conway's return has provided impetus in the top order. 

Here is the Predicted NZ XI for Match 14 against AFG:

Openers: Devon Conway and Finn Allen

Devon Conway missed the Indian Premier League 2024 for Chennai Super Kings as his finger was injured. The southpaw has been out of action since and has not played competitive cricket so far. But the T20 format is something the opener has brought laurels to his growing career. His onslaught in the powerplay could be vital for the team. 

Finn Allen is the batter who can make the difference and end the top-order jinx of the Kiwis. Rachin Ravindra has not quite hit the form well and Allen is a certified weapon as an opener. The batter’s powerplay strike rate of 149 in the ongoing World Cup cycle is the highest of any player in T20 history.

Middle Order: Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman

Kane Williamson has been one of the most successful captains for New Zealand. But the ICC silverware in white ball cricket is something that he will aim to achieve. He has been nursing his hamstring injury and has been out of action for some time. He showed glimpses of his improved approach in World Cup 2023 and will hope to keep singing along that tone.

Daryl Mitchell seemed out of touch in the Indian Premier League 2024. Barring a half century, he could not reap rewards batting at number four for CSK. With the pitches in the West Indies aiding the spinners, he will be entrusted to garner some runs as a spin specialist.

Mark Chapman was impressive against Pakistan in the T20I series ahead of World Cup 2023. He was inducted into the squad and could not find a permanent place in the playing XI. With T20 cricket being his forte, he is the batter whom spinners will make plans against. 

All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner

Glenn Phillips has been a standout all-rounder for New Zealand. Phillips has plucked regular wickets for the team whenever he is entrusted with the ball. His exploits in the first Test against Australia in March were applauded for his pinpoint accuracy while bowling. He picked five wickets and scored valuable runs.

James Neesham has always played a supporting part for the Kiwis when batting. His strike rate of 155.66 is something the Black Caps will place their bets on. His economy of over 9 runs in T20Is could be a point of concerns, but the pacer has a strike rate of 18 while bowling.

Mitchell Santner could not play most matches in IPL 2024 for Chennai Super Kings. But the spinner was at his best on the turning track in Dharamsala. He is having a rough patch with the bat but can be critical on a given day. He is known as a T20 specialist and a trump card for the Kiwis.

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee

Trent Boult was at his lethal best in the IPL 2024 for Rajasthan Royals. His prowess with the new ball was talked much as he decimated the opposition. He seemed to have cracked the code in death bowling and has honed his skills in bowling those cracking yorkers on the trot.

Ish Sodhi made his resurgence during the Bangladesh series ahead of the World Cup 2023. Since then, he has been an integral part of New Zealand. He is another premier spinner other than Santner and can generate the quick turn on hard decks.

Tim Southee led the New Zealand team for a brief period in T20Is. He knows the players well and is leading the charge of their pace attack. He is the first bowler to take 150 international wickets in T20Is. His experience in the death overs is what the Kiwis will be confident about going forward.

 New Zealand's Predicted XI against Afghanistan -

Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee